State Officials Say Door-to-Door Magazine Scam is 'Resurfacing'

The Department of Consumer Protection is warning area residents that that "fraudulent," door-to-door magazine companies may be "resurfacing" this summer.

The difference between the latest scam and others is that members of these magazine "sales crews" are often victims of the scam themselves, DCP officials said.

"Almost all crew members end up indebted to whatever company they are working for, even though the company usually makes a large profit," DCP officials said in an alert.

The officials said former crew members have described these companies as pyramid schemes, with sellers earning a certain percentage of sales, "junior managers" earning a larger portion of sales, and the "bosses" pocketing all additional revenue.

DCP officials said here are some signs the solicitors might be scammers:

• Members of these magazine selling “crews” only accept cash or check, making it very hard to trace financial transactions.
• Door-to-door sales people use a story that "tugs at your heartstrings" and pressure tactics to get you to act quickly.
• The company has a name you haven’t heard of before. The companies often changes their names and will usually try to make it seem like the new company name has no connection to the old company name by using addresses in different states, different phone numbers, and different email addresses.
• Anyone checking on a subscription will likely find out the magazine selling crew has probably already cashed any checks received and moved on to another city or state.

Tips about what to do:

• If someone tries to sell a magazine subscription, think twice before spending money. Research prices on-line or by calling the magazine itself before handing over cash or a check for a subscription.
• Even though it might feel like a charitable donation, keep in mind that the money is actually going to a business with a much more complicated structure than anyone might be aware of.
• If a pitch from someone showing up at a house seems suspect, report it to the DCP at 860-713-6100 or dcp.frauds@ct.gov, or to the local police department.

Several area police departments have posted the warning on social media.