Shopping From Home - Beware

Beware: Youth Peddling

Some for-profit companies use young salespersons to sell magazines and other items door-to-door. They trick consumers into believing they are giving money to legitimate charities, because consumers tend to support young persons and youth programs.

If a young person solicits you, ask for identification verifying the organization’s name, address and purpose.

If the representative can’t provide this information, ask them to leave. Report suspicious people to your local police department and/or contact the child labor division of your state labor department listed in the phone book.

If you are satisfied with the information provided, you should still not feel pressured to make a purchase or contribution. See also Charitable Giving.

Beware: Contests and Sweepstakes

“You have been specially selected...”

“You have won...”

“A new car! A trip to Hawaii! $2,500 in cash! Yours, absolutely free! Take a look at our...”

“Your special claim number lets you join our sweepstakes...”

“All you pay is postage, handling, taxes...”

Anytime you hear these words, you should watch for a scam. Don’t pay if you are asked to give money to get something free, claim a prize or win a vacation. If you have really won a sweepstakes, you pay taxes directly to the government, not through the company.