How to Identify Door to Door Scams

1. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: First Impression
   Don't expect the perpetrator of a door-to-door sales scam to look like a con artist. He or she might not even look like a salesperson, and might be casually dressed.


2. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Mentioning Money
   Think every con artist will start talking about products right off the bat? Think again. A con artist might distract you with talk of a competition or a contest.


3. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Charitable Appeals
   One of the more devious things a con artist can do is appeal to your charitable nature. Be wary if a person at your door mentions that they're working "for a good cause," especially if it's one you haven't heard of before.


4. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Fast Talk
   Think you'll be able to out-think a con artist? Don't count on it. The salesperson will talk so fast that you won't even be able to hear yourself think.


5. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Gaining Entry
   The key to any door-to-door sale is to gain entry to your house. Train yourself not to let people inside, and don't be surprised if a con artist has some sneaky techniques for doing so.


6. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Engaging Behavior
   The con artist will do everything in his or her power to make you think that the two of you are friends. Expect conversation about your likes, interests, and hobbies.


7. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Expecting "Yes"
   A con artist won't wait around for you to say yes. He or she will start filling out the order form long before you've even made up your mind.


8. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Unusual Conduct
   If you look closely, something the con artist does will likely tip you off. For example, asking to use your phone or charging you way too much (or too little).


9. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Getting You Involved
   One of the best thing a con artist can do is get you involved in the scam. That way, you're even less likely to think it's a scam, and less likely to report it when you do eventually get ripped off.


10. Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Innocent Salespeople
    The saddest thing about door-to-door sales scams is that the companies that perpetrate them tend to employ impressionable young people who might not even know that they're part of a scam.

Here is MoroninMD's tale:

I had an orange magic sales man come to my door today. He was a young kid probably in his early twenties who could talk fast enough to put my head in circles. He showed me how great his product was and what it could do against all surfaces. After five or so minutes, I let him in to show how it could get up carpet stains and he tried to get me to buy two gallons of this stuff for like $120. I flat out said that it wasn't my place and I had no money and he left very easily.

However, since then, I have been thinking non-stop about who this kid could have been and just how stupid it was to let him in. It was rare for me to see these type of sellers and now I'm worried that he might have been scouting for a house to rob or something (call me paranoid). The worst part was I asked for a number or business card to get back to him and he didn't have either. He searched the bottle he was holding (claimed it was new but it was beat up pretty bad) and found a website. I tried the website and it doesn't exist.

What do I do from here? This is pretty obviously a scam but I'm worried about further repercussions. Should I contact the police or an I over-reaching?

Response:

That's definitely scary, and good thing you didn't buy! In my experience, when I called the police, they said that unfortunately they couldn't do anything because no crime had been actually committed. It never hurts to call them, though, especially if it will make you feel safer. Other steps you can take are talking to your neighbors and homeowner's association, if you have one, and just staying vigilant. Hope this helps!

Image by gkdavie on Flickr.