Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Innocent Salespeople

It's sad, but the companies that perpetrate door-to-door sales scams often defraud their employees (who might not even know there's a scam involved) just as much as their customers.

Things to Watch Out For

Con artists who mastermind door-to-door sales scams are good at their job. They're just as capable of scamming potential employees as they are at scamming potential customers. It's easy for them to promise prizes of college scholarships and dream vacations and then not deliver.

Often, salespeople involved in scams don't get paid regularly for their work. Instead, their employers will promise big payoffs if they make enough sales. This produces extra effort on the part of the salespeople, because they know that if they don't do enough then they'll lose out completely. Little do they know how easy it is at the end of the sales period for their bosses to say "Sorry, you didn't win anything. Better luck next time."

What You Can Do

1. Companies that scam often take advantage of young people with promises of contests, money, and the opportunity to travel. Be extra vigilant about the legitimacy of job opportunities marketed towards teenagers.

2. People often want to take the get-rich-quick route. If you hear that someone is selling something for the opportunity to win a prize, instead of for a slow, steady income, be suspicious.

3. Don't be surprised if you tell the salesperson at your door that you think the sale is a scam and he or she reacts negatively. The salesperson might not have considered that possibility.

4. Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if you think you might be a victim of a door-to-door sales scam.

If you'd like to read the previous tip in this series, check out Identifying Door-to-Door Sales Scams: Getting You Involved. Visit How to Identify a Door-to-Door Sales Scam for a complete list of tips.

Want to read about a personal experience with a door-to-door sales scam? Check out Warning: Don't Open the Door to Magazine Sellers for Unlimited Sales, Inc.

Like my articles? Why not visit my Associated Content profile, follow me on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook? And if you want to write for Associated Content, click here!