Darien Residents Advised Of Aggressive Solicitors

DARIEN, IL — The city of Darien is advising residents to be cautious after several reports of aggressive salespeople representing Direct Energy, asking for resident's ComEd account numbers and claiming they are with the city of Darien. The city said in a release that it is not affiliated with these companies, and recommends that residents never give out account numbers to solicitors.

The city said it requires that solicitations from for-profit organizations need to apply for a permit, which includes an application for each solicitor they employ. Once the permit application is completed and submitted including authorization from the company, a background check is conducted. Upon approval and receipt of the appropriate fee, a 30-day permit will be issued.

According to the city, the hours that solicitors may knock on your door are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Solicitors must present their license if asked, and if they do not have a license, the city recommends that you call 911 so a police officer can be dispatched to stop them from soliciting until they obtain the license.

According to the city newsletter, residents who would like to deter solicitors from their home, may pick up a "No Solicitors Invited" decal for their front door at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, or the Darien Police Department, 1710 Plainfield Road.

If a solicitor becomes aggressive and/or ask for account information, the city asks that you call 911 so a police officer can be dispatched.

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