The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office has received several recent reports of door-to-door salespeople who may be targeting senior citizens in Woodland. These salespeople are ignoring clearly posted “no soliciting” signs and are using high-pressure tactics to make sales, a news release from the D.A.’s Office reports.
In one recent instance at a local mobile home park, an 86-year-old woman who is hard of hearing opened her door to an official-looking young man in a yellow uniform who convinced her to switch the local natural gas service provider she has had for more than 20 years to one based in Texas.
Fortunately, the woman checked with her son, who was able to cancel the contract within the three-day time frame allowed by law, the release said. In another recent instance at the same senior community, a door-to-door salesman selling TV service falsely claimed to have the management’s permission to solicit sales.
The District Attorney’s Office advises consumers to be wary of salespeople who ignore clearly posted “no soliciting” signs and may take advantage of your willingness to listen to their pitch. To help protect yourself from this type of scam, keep your door locked at all times, verify any license and do not sign contracts without taking time to think it over carefully or discussing it with family members.
For more information about this or other types of scams targeting older adults, call the District Attorney’s Office at 530-666-8416.