Door-To-Door Booksellers Target Children, Creep Out Parents
HUGO, Minn. (WCCO) -- It seems an online rumor has parents in the Twin Cities scared that their kids could be kidnapped.
Parents in Washington County and Inver Grove Heights said they're being approached by door-to-door saleswomen asking questions about their children's ages and interests, then trying to sell books.
One Facebook post read, "There is a lady going door to door trying to sell very expensive children's books, which is actually a scam to see if your kids are abductable! (sic)"
However, the company who is selling the books actually has an A-plus reputation, and aren't doing anything illegal.
When Chris Furlong saw a college-aged girl with a European accent had come to her playground-like yard, she wasn't quite sure what to expect.
"She wanted to come in the house and I said, 'No, we can just sit right here,'" Furlong said.
The woman she said was selling children's books.
"She never asked names, but she wanted to know ages, routine patterns, asked what they were involved in sports-wise and I just thought it was really odd," Furlong said.
It may have been odd, but what the saleswoman was doing was completely legal.
Despite the rumors, the city of Hugo said the woman is fully licensed.
WCCO looked up the Nashville-based parent company and discovered the firm has an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Their website said they send college students out to sell.
Homeowners can put up "no solicitation" signs to thwart door-to-door sales.
And if someone does come to your door, you can ask to see a permit. However, not all cities and counties require a permit.
