Door-to-Door sales scams December 2020
Recently Officers from Platoon D were alerted to a potential scam that occurred in Lancaster City. An elderly city resident had been solicited by door-to-door salesman that were selling meat from a van. Family members of the resident found the meat and learned that the victim had likely paid far too much money for the product.
The scam of meat sales from a van is not a new one and is not exclusive to Lancaster City. This type of scam has taken place in multiple locations across the country. Typically the "salesman" will have a scripted story that they were unable to make a local delivery or had extra inventory that needs to sold, etc., etc.
A quick search of the Better Business Bureau revealed multiple complaints for companies that have been named in such fraudulent sales activity. Most of the complaints list that the meat products were of poor quality and many people complained that they and family members got sick after eating the food.
A good rule of thumb when it comes to any type of sales scenario is: If it seems to good to be true, it likely is.
All door-to-door solicitors that operate in the City of Lancaster are required to have a Vendors and Peddlers Permit. The requirements for the permit can be found in the City of Lancaster Codified Ordinances:
License required. No person shall engage in the business of being a vendor or peddler within the City without first obtaining a license from the Bureau of Police . A vendor and peddler's license term shall be for the period of time specified in the license but in no event for a period of more than six months.
Terms defined. The words "vendor" and "peddler," as used herein, mean any person traveling on foot or any conveyance who goes from door-to-door or house-to-house, carrying or conveying goods, wares or merchandise, offering to buy or sell such articles or soliciting orders for articles for delivery at a later date.
Information required. In addition to the information required under §§ 186-6 and 186-7, the applicant shall supply the Bureau of Police with the following information:
A brief description of the nature of the business and goods to be bought or sold.
If employed, the name and address of the employer, together with the credentials establishing the exact relationship.
The length of time in which the right to do business is requested.
If a vehicle is to be used, a description thereof and its license number.
Loud noises and speaking devices. No peddler or vendor shall make loud or raucous noises or use sound-amplifying devices for the purpose of attracting attention to his activity.
Use of streets. No peddler or vendor shall have any exclusive right to any public street, nor shall any peddler or vendor be permitted at any time to occupy a stationary or specific location on any street or sidewalk. Further, he shall obey all ordinances and regulations which forbid him to operate on certain streets within the City.
F. Fee. The fee for the issuance of a vendor's or peddler's license shall be $75 or such other fee as may be established from time to time by resolution of City Council of the City of Lancaster.
[Amended 7-22-2014 by Ord. No. 8-2014]
An additional resource for researching potential door-to-door scams is https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-10-2012/common-door-to-door-scams.html
If you need to report suspicious or fraudulent activity to Lancaster Bureau of Police, call 717-664-1180 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergency calls.
