Be mindful of door-to-door sales techniques

While some legitimate businesses use door-to-door sales techniques to identify potential customers, scammers also prowl neighborhoods seeking likely victims. They may be selling magazines, alarm systems, vacuum cleaners or almost any other type of merchandise or service.

Often the salesperson has a spiel that plays on your sympathy. Magazine sellers, for example, may say they’re raising money for a charity or to pay their way through college. They pressure victims to pay immediately, without having time to research the company or evaluate the offer. Common complaints usually involve pressure, billing errors, or non-delivery of magazines.

Alarm system salespeople sometimes comb neighborhoods looking for signs indicating that a home already has a system. They knock on the door and offer to upgrade your system. In reality, they disconnect your existing company’s alarm system and install their own. If you sign their agreement, you could be locked into a multi-year contract that can be broken only by paying a costly penalty.

After storms strike, door-to-door salespeople often swoop in to damaged areas offering help cleaning up or making repairs. Storm-chasing contractors sometimes offer to “save the deductible” by making repairs for the amount a homeowner’s insurance company pays for the damage. Making such an offer is against the law in Missouri.

Here are some tips to avoid scam door-to-door sales:

Safety first: You don’t have to invite sales people into your home. Tell them that you are not interested and send them on their way.

Ask for company ID: In many communities, door-to-door solicitors must have a permit, and you can ask to see that.

Read everything: Make sure you understand the contract and ask questions until you do. Be sure to include all verbal agreements and request a copy for your records.

Don’t give in: “Must act now” and high-pressure sales tactics are red flags. Ask for leave-behind literature. Reputable companies will give you time to review their proposal and compare prices.

Do your research: Ask for references and take your time before making any decisions.

Know your rights: There are “cooling off” rules and according to the FTC, consumers have three days to cancel a door-to-door sales contract.

If you want information on a company, need to report a scam or file a complaint, please contact the Mid-Missouri BBB at manager@midmobbb.org or 573-886-8965.