GTPD: Don't Be Duped by Door-to-Door Scam Artists

Gloucester Township Police issued the following tips on how to protect yourself from scams by supposed door-to-door salesmen:

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 you should be extremely careful. In some cases people going door to door are attempting to ascertain if you are home for the purpose of committing burglary or some other criminal act. Please take a moment to review the safety tips below in order to be better aware of a potential scam:

• The hours of operation by a canvasser or solicitor under Gloucester Township ordinance shall be between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time. 
• By Township ordinance all authorized vendors are screened by the Police Department and issued an ID card
• If you are unsure if a solicitor is legitimate, ask for identification verifying that they are employed by the company they claim to work for. If they don’t have any ID, stop the conversation right there, don’t give them any money, tell them to leave and call the police.
• If solicitor refuses to leave after being asked to, or becomes irate, shut the door. If they still don't leave, call 856-228-4500 or 911 in case of an emergency.
• If you don't feel comfortable giving the solicitor any money, DON'T! Do not let anyone “guilt” you into giving them money or buying their product.
• If you've already purchased something from a solicitor, and have paid by check and no longer feel comfortable with the transaction, cancel the check as soon as possible.
• Do not believe stories such as “I live in your neighborhood,” or “My car is broken down just around the corner,” etc. If you don’t recognize this person as one of your neighbors, they’re probably not. If their car is truly broken down, call the police.
• At no time should you let any of these people in your house! Not even to use the phone.
• Be wary of anyone who comes to your door offering to clean your house, do home improvements, etc. and definitely do not give them any money before they do any work!
• If you find something suspicious about anyone who comes to your door, call the police.(Please try to gather as much information as possible for police—description, vehicle, tag number.)

Remember, door-to-door solicitation, during daylight hours, and voluntarily giving persons money is not against the law. Not providing services paid for and not leaving private property when asked to is! Please share this information with your neighbors when a suspicious person is in your neighborhood and DO NOT give anyone money when you don’t feel it’s a legitimate cause!

A sample of the Gloucester Twp. Hawker/Peddler Permit is (posted as a PDF above). This should be presented to you by township authorized vendors upon your request.

By following these safety tips, you are becoming a community partner in helping make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.