BBB Advises Consumers to Beware of Door-to-Door Magazine Sellers

PRLog (Press Release) - May 31, 2012 - RALEIGH, N.C. (May 31, 2012) — Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina receives complaints each year from consumers who have unknowingly purchased multi-year magazine subscriptions. Unscrupulous telemarketers often trick consumers into paying hundreds of dollars for multi-year subscriptions to magazines they do not want or cannot afford. BBB warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement and looking to earn a quick buck this summer.

BBB recommends the following on how to handle door-to-door magazine sellers:
Listen carefully and be aware of high pressure sales tactics. Some unscrupulous door-to-door sellers will put pressure on you to close the deal at that moment and even make special offers to entice you. Find a way to end the conversation quickly to avoid long, high pressure sales pitches.

Verify the individual and the company. If you are interested in buying from a door-to-door seller, get everything in writing including price, warranty and all conditions. Tell the salesperson you will review the information and get back to him or her. Ask for contact information and look the company up yourself to verify this person is an employee. Also, take the time to check out the company’s Business Review at bbb.org.

Know your rights. The Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives the customer three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in their home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. Along with a receipt, salespeople should also include a completed cancellation form that customers can send to the company to cancel the agreement. By law, the company must give customers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice.

Victims of fraudulent magazine sales should file a complaint at bbb.org. Victims can also contact their local law enforcement and state Attorney General offices.

About BBB serving Eastern North Carolina
Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from more than 3,000 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.