NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 30, 2009
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420
MAGAZINE SALES SCAM ALERT
The Okaloosa
County Sheriff's Office is receiving complaints from residents who say they are
being contacted by door-to-door solicitors selling magazines and asking for
donations for inner city literacy and other programs. Some sellers reportedly
request to come inside for a drink or to use the restroom, sparking concerns
that they may be looking for items to steal.
Although some
magazine subscription sales are legitimate, many are not. The Better Business
Bureau says scam operations are common and typically involve some sort of
emotional appeal to pressure people to purchase magazine subscriptions.
To avoid being a
victim of a scam, you can check out businesses at www.bbb.org before making a
purchase. The Better Business Bureau also says don't be pressured into buying
and remember you have three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in
your home or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business.
If you are a
victim of fraudulent magazine sales, file a complaint with the Better Business
Bureau and notify local law enforcement.
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