By Susan Bromley
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp.-If a solicitor of any kind shows up on your doorstep, ask to see their permit.
Scam artists are not only targeting victims by phone or computer, they are also going door-to-door with what may appear to be legitimate fundraisers, but are absolutely not.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Greg Glover, Brandon substation commander, said most recently, white males in their 20s have been reported in the township, going door to door on Reese, Allen, and Oak Hill roads, early in the morning, as well as late afternoon and early evening, with magazine subscription order forms.
‘If you don’t want to buy, they say you can make a donation to their organization,? said Glover. ‘They are fairly aggressive and seem to have the right answers. Once you make a donation or order, you never hear from them again.?
Any person who comes to your home selling items or seeking donations, whether it be for a trip, their sports team, school, or anything else, should have a solicitor’s permit from the township and you should request to see it, he added.
Township Clerk Candee Allen said her office staff gives out approximately 10 such permits per year at no charge. To obtain a permit, solicitors need to complete a form for the clerk’s office and provide photo identification as well as identification of the company or organization they represent.
‘We do this to protect our community,? said Allen. ‘If someone is on your porch and you don’t want them there or are being harassed, call the police.?
Glover said if a solicitor does not have a permit, they should not be accepted as legitimate and are in fact violating township ordinance.