Last Saturday, a young sales guy in his early 20's knocked on my door and when I opened the door to see what he wanted, he immediately started talking. He introduced himself as Louis Rodriguez; he even had a ID card with a picture and his information on it. He asked me if I've ever heard of a nationwide game for youths called "All Star Race". I said "no" obviously and he started telling me that the race/game includes 40 young members that is divided into two teams, Boys vs. Girls Team, with 20 on each team, and that all the members on each team are going around the country asking for support. His story was so elaborate that it sounded like a real deal. I asked him what the game was about and he explained it quite thoroughly and that it was a way for kids to learn leadership skills and at the same time, raise money for themselves so they can go to (or finish) college. Of course, I fell for it.
To sum it up, he talked nonstop the whole time, telling me he was going to be a veterinarian and a real estate agent at the same time when he gets out of college. He also kept repeating how many girls and women, and some of my neighbors even, complimented on his eyes, how beautiful they are, blah blah blah. I just ignored it and at the time, I just wanted to give him the check (I know!), since I really thought I was going to help "back" his team.
He talked me into renewing my Elle and Wine Spectator subscription and I was appalled when I saw the total price of $117 for just one year for both! I told him I didn't know it was so expensive, but he pouted and whined, "Aww, but that's how our team is going to be backed!" Anyway, to make it sound "legit", he asked if he could use my phone to call his boss because it's their policy; to call in if the subscription is over $100. I let him use my cell phone, the boss even wanted to speak to and thank me, saying that I was doing a great thing to help these kids. So, all is done now. He said "thank you" and left. But then I heard the car's screetching away. I took a more careful look at the receipt he gave me and could barely read what he wrote, that was when I went and googled "All Star Race". All that came back was the Nascar racing. So I searched for "DSS" and I found this website, which I wish I'd known about.
I called the number on my phone to talk to his boss about what I've found and that I don't feel right about this whole ordeal. Of course the guy tried to reassure me and said they are a legitimate business and that they've been in business for 48 years!
After hanging up with the boss, I immediately called my bank and told them to stop the check and told them why. My bank agent was very nice, he said he also puts a note on the transaction, just in case these people try to wire the money using my account and routing numbers they have on the check I gave them. Everyday since last Saturday, I check my account to see if there's any suspicious transaction, so far, it's still okay.
For those of you who are afraid to stop the check and have that "additional $30 fee" taken out, I'd say just call your bank and tell them exactly what happened and don't let these lowlifes get a dime out of your hard-earned money. I'd hate to see another innocent, honest, hard working person being scammed through manipulated schemes like this. I will never say "yes" to these scumbags ever again!
Good luck, all. Don't feel bad, it happens to the best of us.
Happy Holidays!
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