BBB Jo Ann Deal Fraud Alert: Door-to-door advertising

MONROE, Louisiana (KNOE) – Jo Ann Deal of the Better Business Bureau was a guest on Good Morning ArkLaMiss on June 17 to talk about door-to-door sales scams.

According to Deal, the BBB received reports of cold calls for various home services last week. These calls typically offer free installation of solar panels, and may also offer wiring upgrades or security system takeover.

Consumers reported that the people who go door-to-door offering these services are mostly young men who do not have company uniforms, business cards, printed materials or marked vehicles. The salespeople also had little knowledge of the products or policies they were describing.

Consumers also reported that the lawyers asked them to provide their most recent utility bill. Deal says the BBB advises against doing so because utility bills include the account number.

To put an end to door-to-door advertising, the BBB recommends:

• Placing clearly visible signs saying “No advertising” or “No trespassing” on your property
• Ask door-to-door salespeople to leave and quickly close and lock your door.
• If necessary, call 911 and report the incident to the police
• Contact local authorities and neighborhood watch groups to enforce solicitation and trespassing laws.
• Mobile phone photos of vehicles, T-shirt prints or telephone conversations

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