|
|
One of the most frequent consumer scams is the door-to-door scam. Not every door-to-door salesperson is dishonest, but when someone solicits you at home, follow these guidelines.
Solicitors cannot be out 30 minutes before sunrise or 30 minutes after sunset — this violates city ordinance.
If unsure a solicitor is legitimate, ask for ID verifying their employer. If they don't have one, don't give money and tell them to leave.
If a solicitor refuses to leave or becomes irate, shut the door. If they still don't leave, call the PID Officer at 972-333-3441.
If you don't feel comfortable giving money, don't. Don't let anyone "guilt" you into paying or buying.
If you've already paid by check and no longer feel comfortable, cancel the check as soon as possible.
Don't believe stories like "I live in your neighborhood" or "my car broke down nearby." If you don't recognize them, offer to call a tow truck instead.
At no time should you let any of these people in your house! Not even to use the phone.
Do not hire anyone who comes to your door offering to clean your house, do home improvements, etc. — and never pay before work is done.
Door-to-door solicitation during daylight hours, and voluntarily giving money, is not against the law. Not providing paid services and not leaving private property when asked to is. Share this with your neighbors when a suspicious person is around, and don't give anyone money when it doesn't feel like a legitimate cause.