Family Subscriptions, American Cash Awards
Door-to-Door Magazine Sellers Wanted Check Made Out to Boss

My husband and I were visited tonight by two young men, one black and one white, with a third unidentified man waiting in a car down the block. They claimed to be selling magazine subscriptions for several reasons, among them a) overseas donations, b) practicing public speaking skills, and c) collecting points/money for college.

After the intro speech, they asked what it would take for me to "help them out." I told them that I used to be a door-to-door vacuum salesperson and knew all the door-opening lines, contest catches and such, and that all I asked for was the truth. I said I respected pounding the pavement to make some money, but they should just give it to me straight. The most charismatic of the young men went through some of the subscriptions, and since there were actually a few magazines I wanted on the list, I told him to discuss the prices with my husband while I went to get my checkbook.

They did try to get into my house, but I said no. When I returned with my check, my husband was signing his name and our address on a receipt for $199! I said absolutely not, and they changed it to three subscriptions at 1 year each for a total of $72. As I said, I understand that direct sales can be more expensive than company subscriptions, so I didn't mind.

Then they wanted the "from" field on the check left blank, and we were told to make the check out to their boss, "Stephen Zerby," who they promised would call us this evening to confirm the order. Again, there was repeated emphasis on "cancel at any time," which, from my sales experience, I know is just a way to put the customer at ease. It is legally true for 3 days, but no one wants you to cancel.

When they left, they tried to take the receipt with them, insisting they had given it to us. They made it look like a mix-up during the conversation, as if they had accidentally kept it, and they finally showed it to us. Then they tried walking off with it again!

Needless to say, I did a simple Google search for Family Subscriptions and read very unsavory things. In addition, I was not called by "Stephen Zerby," and the receipt contained very evasive language.

I just put in a stop payment request with my bank online. Thank goodness for the internet. I don't even mind if I have to pay the fee, as long as I save some money and keep it out of their hands.

As I said, I respect the door-to-door line of work and the honest people who do it, but this is a clear scam.

Company: Family Subscriptions, American Cash Awards
Country: USA
State: Colorado
City: Kittredge
Address: Po Box 1060
Phone: 3036748252

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