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scammers
Crimes & Incidents, posted by Pauline, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Jan 8, 2008 at 3:31 pm

> Here is the website where you can find information about the scam

> Web Link.

>

I never buy things from the door to door people, but last night I

got home around 7:30 and there was this young man walking away

from mydoor. I was caught off guard, but also thought I should do

something nice for someone. He was selling magazines and I told him I wasn't interested as I have enough coming to my home. He suggested

that I send it to the Ronald McDonald house for the children. Who

wouldn't fall for helping out the kids!!!!! It was cold and dark, and he asked if he could have a place to fill in the form. Because my husband was home, I let him in the house, something that I have also never done in the past. I feel pretty stupid right now and concerned since I let him in my home.

The phone number is out of service and when you google the

name "overachiever enterprises, inc., you get the information about

their scam.

I think asking for their credentials and then looking up the company on the internet while you have them wait outside is a good idea. Sad as it is, the best thing to do is to just not answer your door.

> I hope this information helps.

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Comments

Posted by joe, a resident of the College Terrace neighborhood, on Jan 9, 2008 at 6:06 am

Never deal with door to door magazine salespeople. Just say no, period, regardless of what they say. I have never heard of them being anything but ripoffs in one form or another. If they don't rip you off, they are ripping off some of the underaged kids who work for them.

I wouldn't let a stranger into my house under any circumstances either. Your husband would be no protection if the person pulls a gun.

Sad, but true.


Posted by anonymous, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Jan 9, 2008 at 8:58 am

Hasn't anyone learned ANYTHING by now - do not trust door to door salespeople - you have a high likelihood of getting ripped off or worse.


Posted by C me around, a resident of the Ventura neighborhood, on Jan 14, 2008 at 12:41 am

fOR ALL OF YOU THAT WANT TO HELP OUT...Well, this seems like a rip off too, but the kids at the public schools have "magazine drives". They pester and solicit their parents, neighbors,whomever~ to get to be able to join in (if they sell so many subscriptions) to a pizza party or someother event that is held for the top sellers....

It happens every year.

Most of the "kids" that come around door to door are more likely on a professional "crew" that is taken from one city to another to peddle for a large magazine outfit. They have all kinds of ways to try to get your sympathy~ they are very crafty as they are schooled well by a professional crewmaster before hitting the streets.

It happens every year.

My husband was part of this scamming crew back in the 1960's. He even took Blue Chip stamps as a down payment instead of cash for those who did not have cash on hand. I'm embarrasted to admit it.


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