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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2011
Door-to-Door Scam Uses College Name to Sell Goods
Immediately prior to the start of the new semester, College of the Canyons received a report from a local resident regarding a visit from a supposed College of the Canyons student who was going door-to-door in the guise of selling children’s books for the purpose of sending the COC Orchestra on a trip to London. This is a new variation of the door-to-door scam, which has happened in previous years, with people who have posed as students and asked for money for various college projects or activities -- none of which are real.
The scam has become quite elaborate, in a few ways:
- A website was referenced in the sales pitch -- experiencesales.com -- to provide legitimacy to the salesman’s claim. The website actually exists, but has very few details and seems to simply be a shell.
- Pre-printed and detailed order forms are now used, again adding to the feel of this being an actual fund-raising effort.
- The salesperson backed up his pitch with an elaborate personal story, involving the death of his parents, and a grandfather who lived on a specific street in Santa Clarita.
- Cash was not asked for, but the check was required to be made out to “The Experience.”
College of the Canyons does not ask its students to go door-to-door to solicit monetary donations for any reason. In all likelihood, the people who are engaged in this con are taking advantage of the strong reputation that College of the Canyons has in the community, and we only hope that no one falls victim to this scam. And, needless to say, the college doesn’t appreciate having its good reputation sullied in this manner.
At the same time, residents should be acutely aware that this is a con and that they should notify local law enforcement if anyone comes to their doors asking for donations on behalf of the college. It would be extremely helpful for anyone who comes in contact with these people to ask for I.D., to get good descriptions of these people and report them immediately to law enforcement.
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station can be reached at (661) 255-1121.
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