RPD advises to take precautions regarding door-to-door solicitors

Every year, door-to-door salesman and solicitors wander through Ritzville attempting to sell products to residents and are generally greeted with apprehension from many area citizens. As Ritzville Police Officer Tom Gracie said during his presentation for the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce’s general membership meeting last Thursday, residents should take the necessary precautions when opening the door to a solicitor.

While Officer Gracie explained the winter months are generally a slower time for solicitors to move through the city, there are still traveling salesman coming through the area and they tend to increase in volume during the warmer months of the year.

The Ritzville Police Department (RPD) and Ritzville City Hall receive calls regularly about concerns regarding solicitors. Many are perceived to be illegitimate salesman by citizens who have worries about the products being promoted and the individuals attempting to sell the product.

Officer Gracie explained all solicitors are required to go to City Hall to obtain a permit. The solicitor has to pay a fee, register with the city and carry their city permit on them at all times when selling their product or service.

When a solicitor approaches citizens, Officer Gracie said the simplest and safest measure to take is to ask to see the permit. If the individual cannot display the appropriate documentation, do not let them into the house and ask them to leave, Officer Gracie advised.

In the case the solicitor becomes pushy and unwillingly to give up the potential sale, Officer Gracie said citizens should contact the department.

“Give us a call and we’ll come encourage them to leave and to go to city hall to get a permit,” Officer Gracie said.

Officer Gracie explained many times solicitors are simply unaware they must obtain a permit before selling their product.

Some solicitors can be pushy, Officer Gracie said, and in these situations, it is important for residents to contact the department for additional assistance to have the solicitor leave. For those individuals who are interested in having signage posted at their homes or businesses stating, no soliciting, those signs are available at the RPD.

Officer Gracie also briefly touched on the growing issue of credit card fraud in the area and explained the recent spike in fraud reports spans beyond the local communities and throughout much of the eastern portion of the state. Officer Gracie continued to explain that banks are being proactive about the fraud reports, and customers are encouraged to monitor activity on their credit and debit cards to ensure there are not fraudulent charges on the account.

“There’s things you can do to stay safe and make it difficult for them,” Officer Gracie said regarding criminals using personal information to gain access to accounts or cards.

Another common scheme for criminals to gain access to credit card information is to contact an individual claiming to be a utility company, relative in need of money or a collection agency. These types of businesses typically do not contact customers by phone, but rather send payment requests via email or mail.

Officer Gracie advised individuals should be suspicious of these calls and require the caller to provide documentation of their identity. After recording their information, if they supply it, citizens can contact the department for assistance verifying the authenticity of the company or individual.

For more information regarding solicitor permits in Ritzville, contact City Hall at 659-1930. To receive signage or additional information about solicitors, contact the RPD at 659-1313.