During the summer months Ocean County residents can expect an increase in the number of persons going door to door selling a variety of wares. While not as prevalent in the past, door-to-door sales still take place every day. Because of the large population of senior citizens, many of whom are likely to be home during the day, Ocean County provides fertile ground for this type of solicitation and in particular the sale of magazine subscriptions.
Consumers are urged to use caution and good common sense when making a purchase of this sort. Some unscrupulous persons engaged in this activity have been suspected of using deceptive practices while attempting to make sales, authorities warn.
Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as chairman to the Office of Senior Services and liaison to the Department of Consumer Affairs, reminded residents, "Don’t allow yourself to be pressured or hoodwinked with sympathetic tales of woe or heavy-handed tactics into signing a contract for something you don’t really want. If you are unsure of the identification of a person at your door, call the police, period."
Door-to-door sales are regulated under the Federal Trade Commission’s three-day cooling-off rule. The rule basically states that any purchases made in your home totaling more than $25 are subject to cancellation by the consumer, who must be given a copy of this right at the time of sale.
In addition, Prosecutor Thomas F. Kelaher warned, "As a result of the tragic homicide that took place in Dover Township, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office would like to remind residents never to let strangers into their home. Allowing a stranger into your home or providing information on the phone to a stranger could very well make you or your family a victim of a very serious crime. The defendant in the recent murder of a 77-year-old Dover Township woman was soliciting magazine subscriptions door to door. Any suspicious activities should be reported to the local police, the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor, and the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs."
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office may be reached at (732) 929-2027 and the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs may be reached at (732) 929-2105.