Door-to-door purchase? You may be targeted for crime! Jewelry taken away from some victims
In September 2023, NCAC issued an alert on trouble related to door-to-door purchase.
Even after the announcement, numerous complaints about door-to-door purchase have been received. In some serious cases, consumers were targeted for crime (e.g." A door-to-door purchaser requested me to sell disused articles so that they can donate them to poor countries, and I accepted the request. After the purchaser left, I noticed that my ring had disappeared," "A door-to-door purchaser urged me to sell my ring, which is special to me.") Most victims were women aged 80 or more.
Therefore, NCAC decided to share typical cases and issue a consumer alert to prevent similar trouble.
Sample Cases
- It seems that a door-to-door purchaser took away my gold necklace and diamond ring while I was looking away.
- I wanted to help people in need and I accepted their visit to my home. After they left, I noticed that my ring had disappeared.
- I was wearing a ring, a keepsake from my mother. I was scared when a door-to-door purchaser urged me to sell the ring coercively.
- My mother has dementia and she lives alone. A door-to-door purchaser made her to sell commemorative coins with low price.
Problems highlighted by the sampling of cases
- In some serious cases, consumers were victimized by criminal behavior.
- The criminal behavior may violate the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions.
- Door-to-door purchasers appealed to consumers' kindness before solicitation so that consumers may feel difficult to say no.
- Elderly persons with cognitive deterioration have been targeted.
Advice for consumers
- When a door-to-door purchaser suddenly visits you, do not let the person enter your home.
- When you receive a call from a door-to-door purchaser, do not allow his or her visit with ease.
- When you have allowed a door-to-door purchaser to visit you, do not meet the person by yourself.
- In case of trouble or concern, consult your local consumer affairs center.
To protect the elderly nearby
In order to protect the elderly nearby from consumer problems, watch over them on a daily basis to notice any change. Does any unknown person often visit your neighbor? Is there any sign indicating that your neighbor is in trouble?
On behalf of elderly persons, family members, care attendants, staff members of a community comprehensive support center, etc. can consult local consumer affairs center. If you think that an elderly person nearby may be in trouble, consult your local consumer affairs center as soon as possible.
