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Urban 1 Inc Magazine Scam

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by fahrenholz, Aug 17, 2011.

  1. fahrenholz

    fahrenholz New Member

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    I received a visit from a salesman at 8:30 last night trying to sell magazine subscriptions to provide oportunities for inner city kids. Ok, so I fell for it but I'm going to cancel payment on my check after reading this article...

    http://stlouis.bbb.org/article/consumers-tell-bbb-magazine-sales-firm-urban-1-duped-them-28806

    Just wanted to pass on the info so no one else falls for it. They will start by complimenting you and asking you how you got to where you are today and what your advice would be to underprivledged kids...blah, blah, blah. Then they will try to get you to order 3 magazines minimum for ~$150. If you drag your feet, they'll take whatever they can get from you. I gave him a check for $35. After the 20 minutes of his sob story, I guess it just seemed easier than saying no. They will also tell you that the points they earn will be doubled if you elect to donate the subscriptions to the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, etc. That is to encourage you to select that option because you'll never receive the magazine anyway, and this way, you are less likely to discover the scam.
     
  2. gunzour

    gunzour "Living on the Edge"

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    Haven't you ever seen Office Space? ;)
     
  3. Silly Yak

    Silly Yak Member

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    I got duped too...Cancelling it now.
     
  4. mwork

    mwork New Member

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    Thank you for posting this......
     
  5. twohokies

    twohokies New Member

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    I've heard of the magazine scams but never put 2 + 2 together to realize that the people with the sob story like the above were one and the same. They start off with the same story but it's always during dinner or the kids are misbehaving (no surprise), so I turn them away. Hope you are able to cancel your payment!
     
  6. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    I simply and politely say "No Thank You" while closing the door.
     
  7. jwf

    jwf Well-Known Member

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    Are these the kids that are coming to your door in shirt and tie and saying something like "Do you believe in seeing kids get a second chance?"
     
  8. mdcrim

    mdcrim Member

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    The bring these kids in by van and drop them in affluent neighborhoods. Almost none of the companies are registered with the county as required. They cram them 6-8 deep into motels in PG County. And, in my opinion, no one should by knocking on doors at 8:30pm.
     
  9. Mom8386

    Mom8386 Member

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    The only one benefitting from this is the guy who runs this scam. It's not going to inner-city kids. The guys going door to door are paid a small amount to do it. If we answer the door, we say no. I rarely answer the front door without knowing who is there. There's no law that says you have to answer you door.
     
  10. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    It's a sad world when people fear opening their own front door when someone knocks or, at the very least acknowledge their presence.
     
  11. tyger31

    tyger31 Member

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    It's not fear - just don't want to deal with solicitors....ever.
     
  12. Mom8386

    Mom8386 Member

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    Where did I say I was afraid to open my door? I just choose not to sometimes and I don't have to because it's MY DOOR AND MY HOUSE. I'm sure you don't always answer your phone. How is that different?

    To me it's sad that you automatically go to the most negative place about why someone does something.

    Why do I have to acknowledge anyone's presence at my door? Really, why?
     
  13. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    Yep, it IS a sad world. Trusting strangers can get you killed. Disgusting subhuman animals who look just like the rest of us kill or permanently disable innocent people all the time.while I won't live in a scared bubble,i won't give an easy opportunity to someone who is likely up to no good either.

    Crooks see neighborhoods like ours as an easy target because of the trusting nature of some and the attitude that bad things won't happen here.

    Like you said, its a sad world...
     
  14. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Do you answer your phone every time? Even when you have call waiting and know who it is?
    If you say yes, I won't believe you. ;)

    Oops! Mom already said this.
     
  15. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    Hmmm, I'm not the one being defensive though. As Redon stated, fear can have it's benefits when warranted. I just hope anyone having a life or death emergency, skips your house, and vice versa.

    :rolleyes3:Truth be told, the only time a call is missed is if the phone is out of reach or charging.
     
  16. Mom8386

    Mom8386 Member

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    My, someone is assuming a lot. I never said I don't know who's at my door, but I don't always answer it.

    BTW, does that happen often to you, that someone comes to your door in a life or death situation?;)
     
  17. latka

    latka Active Member

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    I never answer my door if I'm not expecting someone. My dogs go crazy and it is a pain.
     
  18. Erickson Family

    Erickson Family New Member

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    A young man selling magazines came to my house as well.
    Said he was trying to earn "points" to become a motivational speaker (or something like that?)
    I listened for a minute then told him I wasn't interested. I felt a bit unkind after I shut the door, but I'd rather give charity money to my church or well-known organizations.
     

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