Scam or non-scam

As you know, this good weather brings out loads of solicitor/peddlers and door-to-door salespersons. Some are legitimate, a very great many are not. I urge you to share this with friends, neighbors, and family so that we can all be wary of possible scams and cons.

If contacted by a solicitor or peddler ask them to show you their solicitor's or peddler's license. If they say they left it at home or their dog ate it or any other excuse for not having it, do not give them your business. You can call the non-emergency dispatch center at 798-4721 option 1 to report an unlicensed salesperson working your neighborhood.

If the police can contact them they may be issued a ticket for illegal soliciting or even arrested {arrest is unlikely unless they have a warrant or are wanted for another crime.} At the minimum they will be ordered out of the neighborhood. If everything is in order, license on hand, etc then they will be allowed to carry on their work. Legitimately licensed and bonded solicitors or peddlers know they cannot work without the license on their person.

There is a large (about 50 persons), organized out-of-state business currently working Lakewood with magazine subscription sales. Members of the City’s Community Safety & Resource Team contacted them today and they were very evasive, claiming they don’t work in Lakewood, and providing false ID for many of their ‘employees’. This crew is probably the same one that comes to Lakewood every summer and runs scams. Last year they sold hundreds of magazine subscriptions to local residents but none were delivered.

If you have contact with any door-to-door magazine sales persons please note the date, time, and any personal characteristics. Please write down any vehicle info: color, brand, license plate if possible. Probably will be a large passenger van.

Please forward this information to me at mmiller@cityoflakewood.us so we can keep scammer crews from working our neighborhoods.

The City of Lakewood’s Municipal Code defines “solicitors & peddlers” in the Municipal Code:
05.56.020- Solicitor or Peddler Defined

A “solicitor” or “peddler” is defined as any person, either as a principal or agent, who goes from place to place within the City, and who:
A. Sells, takes orders for, or offers to sell, any goods, wares or merchandise whether or not collecting in advance for such goods, wares or merchandise; and/or
B. Sells, takes orders for, or offers to sell services, whether or not collecting in advance for such services; and/or
C. Seek contributions or donations to private causes, as opposed to tax-exempt charities; or
D. Seeks opinions, preferences or other information for commercial purposes.

Lakewood Municipal Code specifies that any & all solicitors, peddlers, door-to-door salespersons, etc carry a solicitor’s or peddler’s license from the City:
05.56.120- Carrying License Required

The solicitor’s or peddler’s license shall be carried at all times when soliciting or peddling in the City and shall be exhibited by such solicitor or peddler whenever requested to do so by a police officer, any City official, or any persons solicited or peddled.

Mike Miller LK303
Community Service Officer
Lakewood Police Department
Community Safety Resource Team
6000 Main St SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253 983-7856 office

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