What Are Door-to-Door Sales Scams?

Door-to-door sales scams involve fraudsters posing as legitimate salespeople to trick homeowners into purchasing fake products or services. These scams often exploit trust and high-pressure tactics.

How Do They Work?

Scammers typically:

• Offer fake or overpriced products and services.
• Use high-pressure sales tactics to secure immediate payments.
• Provide little to no information about their company or credentials.
• Demand payment upfront and disappear without delivering the product or service.

Examples of Door-to-Door Sales Scams

Door-to-door sales scams are designed to exploit homeowners' trust and often involve deceptive practices. Below are common examples:

• Fake Cleaning Products: Scammers sell low-quality or counterfeit cleaning products at inflated prices, claiming they are exclusive, high-performance, or heavily discounted. These products are often ineffective or unsafe for use.
• Phony Home Improvement Services: Fraudsters offer services such as driveway paving, roofing, or gutter cleaning, demanding upfront payments. They either perform substandard work or disappear without completing the job.
• Subscription Scams: Individuals pose as representatives of legitimate companies, selling magazine subscriptions or other ongoing services. Victims pay upfront but never receive the promised subscriptions or services.
• Energy Audit Scams: Fraudsters claim to represent energy companies, offering free audits to reduce utility bills. They use this opportunity to gather personal information or pressure homeowners into purchasing unnecessary equipment.
• Charity Fraud: Scammers pretend to represent charitable organizations, soliciting cash donations for fabricated causes. They may provide fake receipts to appear legitimate.
• Security System Scams: Fraudsters offer fake or overpriced security systems, claiming they are necessary to protect against recent neighborhood crimes. They collect payments but fail to deliver or install functioning equipment.

How to Avoid Door-to-Door Sales Scams

• Ask for identification and verify the salesperson’s credentials.
• Research the company before making a purchase.
• Never feel pressured to buy immediately.
• Avoid paying in cash or through untraceable methods.

Category

In-Person Scam