DON’T FALL FOR IT!
Fraudulent Door-to-Door Magazine Sales

5/20/2009

Lexington, KY - Summer is here, and that usually brings young people to your door selling magazines and such. Before you buy, or allow your child to go selling for some companies, you need to read this...

Each summer your Better Business Bureau gets calls from residents who had young adults selling magazines at their door. Some of these people were told some tales that were not true in order to get a sale. Others paid money for magazines that never arrived.

In the past 12 months, the Better Business Bureau system has received 11-hundred complaints against more than 50 companies that sold magazines door-to-door.

We're not saying don't ever buy, but if you are interested, check it out first! Don't be fooled by tall tales – verify the seller's story. And know your rights regarding door-to-door sales if you do choose to purchase magazines you are interested in.

  • Check out the company's report with the BBB. Call us at (859) 259-1008 or 1-800-866-6668 or look up out-of-state companies at www.bbb.org.
  • The Federal Trade Commission's 3-day "cooling off" rule applies to most door-to-door sales over $25 dollars. The seller must provide you this written notice and a cancel form.
  • Check the seller's Transient Merchant License. This permit issued by each county clerk's office is required in each county the seller is working.

If high pressure tactics are used or you feel threatened in any way by a traveling seller, don't be afraid to call police….and don't fall for it!

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Be a "Don’t Fall for It!" informant! If you have something to share you believe may be a fraudulent offer or scam, please let the BBB know! Call us at (859) 259-1008 or toll-free, 1-800-866-6668, or email us at info@bluegrass.bbb.org.