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Monday, October 16, 2006

I've Been Suckered

Hi, my name is Lora, and I am a sucker.

Back in May 2006 I was swindled by a teenager earning money to travel abroad. Or so he said. Have you seen this?! It's not Girl Scouts knocking on your door anymore, oh no. These kids are selling you magazines and books, all for a good cause. They're getting educational trips abroad with your sale. Right? Somehow at this point, I'm thinking something stinks around here. Why, you ask? I placed an order for what I thought was a series of books for Madison back on May 8. By the end of September, my check had been cashed months ago, but no merchandise arrived at my door. I wrote two letters of complaint before I received one lousy reprint of a book, at $34.00 + $14.00 shipping and handling. I wrote to find out why I'd only received one book, to find out there is ONLY ONE BOOK. For $34.00. Are you kidding? This little, 32 page lousy print is my only book??!! I was promised a series of six books, but having nothing but a barely legible receipt for one item number, which I'm told is for ONE BOOK. For $34.00! After looking at their website, I'm pretty convinced this is a pool of young telemarketers, going door-to-door under the guise of earning money for educational trips.

Beware, fellow Vegans, I believe this is a total scam. Needless to say, I'm a bit angry I got suckered. Here's the low-budget website: Integrity Program

9 comments:

Distant Timbers Echo said...

I'm always getting young kids at my door selling something for what they call a "fund raiser".

When I ask to see the paperwork on their fund raiser, they either give me a crumpled up flyer or have nothing at all!

I never buy from door to door people any more unless it's the nice lady who lives around the corner and sells home made fajitas!

LoraLoo said...

Jas and JJ: You are so right. And I usually just don't answer the damn door. Never again! It could have been much worse, too true. To coach these young people to do this is pretty despicable.

Anonymous said...

Integrity Program! Isn't that a bit of an ironic name for con artists? UGH!

Sorry you got ripped off, it happens to the best of us. I hope they get in big trouble!!

Fred said...

I looked at their site, and they have pictures of "car handlers." What the heck is that?

Anonymous said...

This is something that goes on everywhere. I recall a similar solicitation years ag., I didn't buy anything, I had no interest in their magazines.
I am always wary of door to door solicitors. I will on occasion by candy bars from high schoolers when they come round selling them for a buck, but that is where I draw the line.

You should send a notice of complaint to the Better Business Bureau and perahaps even your States Attorney General office.

Nik said...

It's sad that this is the state of the world we live in. I refuse to buy anything from anybody. If I want something, I will figure out where I need to go to get it. There are way to many people out there trying to screw others over. The really sad thing is that the honest and legitimate people who do this type of stuff get the shit end of the stick, because of all the other jerks.
Plus side, at least (if there can be one) is that you're only out $34. It could have been a way worse scam.

Martin said...

I actually saw a documentary on a bunch of runaway underage kids that live in a bus and go town to town selling magazine subscriptions and perfume door-to-door and at large parking lots. Usually, if someone comes to my door, I'll ask for ID first (unless I know them or they look like Brooke Burke.)

Cupcake Blonde said...

Oh I hate it when people come seling things because they make you feel so guilty if you do not buy anything...and then look what happens. Same thing over the phone, people calling for donations. I never know if it is legit or not so I only give to charities I know. Its a horrible world we live in.

Missed you while I was gone! didn't know I would mis blogging so much!

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Hmmm, there are heaps of shonky door to door people these days. I usually say a polite "no thank you", and close the door. Better safe than broke, I think !!
Have a great weekend.
Take care, Meow