Better Business Bureau Warns of Scammers Posing as Magazine Sales Solicitors

Your Better Business Bureau serving northwest Florida has received reports from local law enforcement of numerous scammers posing as magazine sales solicitors.

To date, three different businesses have been identified operating in northwest Florida : Great Lakes Circulation, Inc., LLS (Lonestar Subscriptions) and Flord Agency. All three of these businesses have an F rating from BBB.

However, BBB warns, the name of the business isn’t as important as the methods employed, which remain relatively consistent from one organization to the next. Most use young solicitors who show up on your doorstep with stories such as how you can help them avoid inner-city troubles by buying their product. They often claim that they were hired so they can “stay off the street and avoid gangs and drugs,” or “earn a college scholarship.”

The cause sounds admirable, they appear to be hard working, so why not help out?

BBB advises you to consider the following: The National Consumers League estimates that 50,000 children nationwide are involved in traveling sales crews selling consumer items door-to-door and on city street corners. Youth groups are transported hundreds of miles from their homes, often across state lines. Unfortunately, many of these young people are victims. The League has consistently ranked “traveling crews” among the worst jobs available for youth and indicates that they can also constitute a dangerous environment.

BBB files reflect that the organizers of these crews may falsely present themselves as charitable and civic-minded groups. In such cases the organizer is the victimizer. Many are for-profit operations that keep your “donation” or “subscription money” and not pass it along to any charity, community group or publisher. The youths are taught to use high-pressure appeals and live out of vans and hotels, often making little or no money.

Certainly, there are legitimate youth fundraisers. And yes, they may come knocking. However, the next time a youth sales crew appears on your doorstep, BBB suggests you ask for the name of the organization and other details. You may also want to inquire about the welfare of the young “worker.”

For additional information and advice you can trust, start with bbb.org .

This information originally published on February 1, 2009.

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