Jennifer Brauer said a man came to her house along West Vasconia Street selling magazines on Friday.
TAMPA, Fla. -- A South Tampa woman is warning everyone in the Bay area to be aware of what appears to be a scam.
Jennifer Brauer said a man came to her house along West Vasconia Street selling magazines on Friday. She said he was very charismatic, outgoing, and complimentary. According to Brauer, the salesman said he worked for "Leaders of the Future," a mentoring organization to help disadvantaged people gain success. She didn't want to buy magazines, but ended up donating $50 to a listed charity that the man said he would get points for.
Brauer said just hours later she and a neighbor realized most likely they'd been scammed. No one could find the organization online and the phone number left on Brauer's receipt didn't work.
"I just felt like the rug was pulled out from underneath me and I felt like I should've known better," said Brauer. "I was mad. I was mad because I thought I was really trying to help somebody who was trying to make a living."
Brauer also found bloggers online warning about Leaders of the Future, calling the group shady, a ripoff, and a scam. Many who posted complaints never even received the magazines they ordered. We tried to get a hold of the organization ourselves and the number rang, went dead, then disconnected.
Brauer just hopes her story can warn others. "I'm in sales. I never in a million years thought I would fall for a tactic like that, and I did. So if I can fall for it, I think anybody can," she said.
According to the Better Business Bureau, to protect yourself:
- Read paperwork carefully and take your time
- Don't tolerate high pressure sales
- Be protective of personal information
- Don't open the door
Brauer said at least one other neighbor also gave this salesman money. Both, though, were able to cancel their checks.
Leaders of the Future is listed on the Better Business Bureau's website with several customer complaints.
Here's something to keep in mind: there is also a state law that says anyone selling something like a magazine subscription door to door needs to give the customer a letter of buyer's remorse, which allows you to cancel within three days.
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