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DENVER -- Colorado Attorney General John Suthers warned consumers Tuesday to beware of scammers traveling door-to-door to sell fake magazine subscriptions.

Suthers' warning comes after his office has seen a sharp increase in the number of complaints about fraudulent magazine sales since the end of March.

“Consumers should always be wary of salesmen who show up on their doorsteps proffering goods or services,” Suthers said. “You should never enter into a contract or make a purchase solely based on a doorstep sales pitch. Always take the time to do your homework before making a purchase. That, in and of itself, will save you the headache of working your way out of a bad or fraudulent deal.”

According to the complaints, door-to-door salesmen offering magazine subscriptions are contacting consumers primarily in and around Boulder and south Denver. The salesmen are representing both known and unknown magazine companies and are offering magazine subscriptions at a discount.

The salesman are pitching the discount magazine subscriptions as a means to pay for their education, medical expenses or to assist a family member in need. Consumers are reporting the subscriptions never arrive and the contact information they were provided for the subscription is invalid.

When dealing with door-to-door salesmen, remember:

• Obtain the name, address and phone number of the company the salesman represents. Verify the company’s details through your local Better Business Bureau;
• Contact the company directly to verify legitimacy of the salesman;
• Get the details of the offer in writing and carefully review them. Do not accept verbal promises not included in the contract;
• If you decide to conduct business with the company, make the check payable to the company and not the salesman;
• Never pay cash; and,
• Never allow salesmen into your home.

Consumers who encounter door-to-door scams should report them to their local police, sheriff’s department or district attorney’s office.

Consumers also can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General at www.coloradoattorneygeneral.gov/complaint or 1-800-222-4444.