Soliciting Scam

All residents are reminded that commercial soliciting is not allowed in Lakeland. This includes all commercial salespersons who you have not invited to your home. (Religious groups are exempted, but still will have a City of Lakeland permit that they are authorized to solicit. Political campaigning is exempt.)

Report any violations to the Shelby County Sheriff at 901 379-7625 and to City Hall at 867-2717.

I was advised of the following letter which describes why the City of Lakeland adopted a "no commercial soliciting" policy:

I am a resident in (Lakeland Addition) meadows Subdivision. Many of you are probably aware that there have been several young people trying to sell magazine subscriptions door-to-door. Their "story" is that they are students of a local University and they are raising funds and looking for sponsors for one of their school programs, such as ROTC.

After thinking about it over night and reconsidering my purchase, I decided to do a little research on the Internet. I cannot stress enough - this is a total SCAM! I have attached only one of many articles about this company called Interstate Subscription Service, or ISS. They have also been reported to the Better Business Bureau. From what I have read, a large majority of the customers never receive their magazine order.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff43048.htm These solicitors are not students, nor do they live nearby. They travel in groups from city to city, playing on innocent families to buy their magazines.

Yes, I was duped. I am now in the process of getting this canceled and my money back. On the back of the sales receipt you have the option to cancel within 3 days of purchase by filling it out and returning it (postmarked) by the deadline. I also called the company at (210) 340-0002 and was assured that my check would not be cashed and they would return it to me through the mail. According to the representative I spoke with, they DO NOT condone their sales representatives telling potential buyers anything other than the truth. If they are reported, they are fined on the 1st offense, suspended on the 2nd offense and terminated on the 3rd offense. I cannot verify whether or not that is true. We are a small community and we know most of our neighbors and their children. If your children are trying to raise money for a school fund-raiser or otherwise (sports, etc.), it is a wise idea to go with your children, even if you stand on the street and let them do the talking. Times have changed and it's dangerous out there. It's our responsibility to keep our children and neighbors safe. You don't always know who is living down the street.