Sheriff warns of scam artists posing as magazine salesmen
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on August 9, 2009 2:00 AM
As a result of complaints by concerned citizens, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office has issued a public notice warning residents of scam artists operating door-to-door in the area.
"United Family Circulation, DBA Legacy Sale Door-to-Door Solicitors Magazine Subscriptions:
"Legacy Sale representatives are in the Wayne County area attempting to solicit donations and/or sell magazine subscriptions. The representatives are purporting to give "some" of what they collect to various charities and/or community causes. One complainant said that she was told that her subscription would benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She said the representative told her the donation would be tax deductable, however, she later learned from reading the receipt that it was not a tax-deductable donation.
"An Internet search done on "United Family Circulation, Inc.," and "Legacy Sale," has revealed that this company does not seem to be reputable. Lt. Flores has contacted St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Legal Department and has learned that Legacy Sale and/or United Family Circulation, Inc., has not given/donated anything to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and is in no way affiliated with the hospital.
"The representatives are usually young people, 18 to 25 years of age. They are driven to an area in a van by a "handler" and dropped off to go door-to-door soliciting. In an ironic twist, these representatives are usually deceived by their own employer!
"The Financial Crimes Unit would like residents to help us identify the individuals involved with this operation by notifying the Sheriff's Office of the groups' whereabouts. If a citizen feels that they have been deceived, they may file a police report. Citizens are encouraged to file complaints with the North Carolina Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Division, 1-877-5NOSCAM (1-877-566-7226).