For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1900125 |
| Date Issued: | Nov 15, 2019 - 2:19pm |
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Washoe County Sheriff's Office warns residents of suspicious solicitors |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is asking residents to be on the lookout for aggressive solicitors who are believed to be operating illegally in our area.
At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2019, deputies responded to the area of Mt. Rose Highway and Callahan Ranch Road on reports of aggressive solicitors going door-to-door seeking donations for a children's book project. Residents reported that when they attempted to decline the donation, the solicitors became agitated, pushy, and refused to take no for an answer.
After further investigation, deputies believe this group of solicitors are working in Washoe County without the required business license and work permits.
Deputies ask that Washoe County residents who are approached by these solicitors, or see them operating in their neighborhood, contact the Sheriff's Office dispatch center at (775) 785-WCSO.
Deputies also remind residents that there are steps they can take to help protect them from illegal solicitors:
- If you don't know the person, don't open the door. Never feel obligated to greet an unfamiliar person knocking at your door
- Always keep doors and windows locked. Storm doors or security doors are helpful when dealing with solicitors, because you can see and speak safely through the door
- Never allow an unfamiliar person into your house
- Solicitors must have a business license and permit. Contact your local law enforcement agency if a solicitor is aggressively attempting to get into your home or refusing to show their license/permit
- Don't expect all perpetrators of door to door sales scams to look the part. Some are clean and well dressed and use special psychological techniques to try to get into your home or get your money
- Always use extreme caution before providing any personal or financial information
- If you are not interested, close the door and lock it. You don't owe the person an explanation
- Residents can put a "no solicitors" sign on their door to help keep solicitors away
Always report suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.