Recently, The Redding Police Department issued a press release informing residents about a scam happening in our town and in neighboring areas. Unlicensed contractors were appoaching homeowners and offereing to do work such as driveway sealing, roof repairs or chimney repairs.They warned that many of these people are unlicensed contractors and they can do more harm to your home than good.
Redding does have an ordinance which requires that all those soliciting door-to-door to REGISTER with the police department. In order to receive the registration-which must be renewed weekly- an in state criminal history check is conducted and registration may be denied based on these results. All solicitors must carry this registration on them.
Door-to-door in a town like Redding? A town where there are no sidewalks and no one walks except for exercise?
I learned about this scam at the weekly press briefing with Police Chief Fuchs yesterday. As I was leaving the station, I noticed several young men dressed in shirts and ties waiting to register so that they could sell magazines door-to-door. I stopped to chat with them. They were eager to tell me what they were doing and for me to tell Redding residents not to be wary of them when they came to the door. They work with New Beginning Enterprises. I was told that their company's goal was to "hire, teach, train and motivate people to be productive in society" and that they would be in Redding for this week selling magazines.
I walked away feeling good about them and wanting to write a nice story telling Reddingites to please help them and buy some magazines.
That is, until I got back to my desk and started to research. The website they gave me www.newbeginning.net did not work so I tried googling. I found many many complaints about New Beginning Enterprise. They received the grade of F from the Better Business Bureau with over 200 complaints. I found a contact number and called. Customer Service answered and when I said I was with the media,I was promised that someone would call me back. I'm still waiting....
I felt that these young men thought they were on the level, and they registered with the town and were working hard. It is unfortunate that they aligned themselves with a company that has had so many problems. If they come to your door, I suggest that you offer them a glass of water since it is so hot this week but be very careful if you order any magazines. Do a little research first before you order anything from someone door to door.
Why would a town like Redding, or any other town, allow representatives from a company with so many complaints go door to door? The answer is because it is a First Amendment right! As long as the solicitors are not peddling something illegal or harmful, it is their right through Freedom of Speech. It is the right of solicitors, politicians, members of religious organizations and yes, even the Boy Scouts to get their message across by going door to door. Towns and municipalities have tried to enact law to protect their reesidents from unwanted solicitations but all such legislation was overturned by the Supreme Court after the Jehovah's Witnesses brought suit.
Since the "Do Not Call" registries are effectively limiting telemarketers, companies like the ones selling electricity options and phone services are now going door to door as well.
Note that the unlicensed contractors mentioned in the beginning of this editorial ARE doing something illegal and the police can take action against them. Companies like New Beginning Enterprise may have many complaints against them but they are not illegal.
So, what can YOU do to protect yourself against unwanted solicitation?
The solicitors may have the right to knock on your door and sell you a magazine, or discuss their religious beliefs or ask you to sign a petition. But, it is also your right NOT to purchase or listen if you don't want to. Just be firm and polite and end the conversation. Warn your children not to answer the door unless they know who is there and speak to the elderly members of your family about this because they are so often taken in by a sales pitch. Perhaps you can give them some suggestions on how to say No.
If you decide that you are interested in the person's message, services or products, please ask to see their registration before you allow them to engage you.
Australia has a "Do Not Knock" registry, similar to the "Do Not Call" registry here in the US. As of now, there isn't a national service for door-to-door here. You can piost No Trespassing signs at the entrance to your property or put up "No Solicitations" by your door. There is no guarantee that the sales person won't knock but if they do, you can point to the sign.
If you have concerns about the legitimacy of anyone approaching your home, please call the Redding Police Department at 203-938-3400 or 911 if it is an emergency.
