NCJ Number
68768
Date Published
1972
Length
0 pages
Annotation
TIPS ON PREVENTING SOME SALES PRESSURE TACTICS AND ON PREVENTING VICTIMIZATION BY FRAUDULENT DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESMEN ARE OFFERED IN THIS FILM ON CONSUMER FRAUD.
Abstract
THE FILM BEGINS WITH A CALL TO THE POLICE BY AN ALERT RESIDENT OF A LOW-INCOME HOUSING PROJECT WHO WAS VICTIMIZED BY A SIMILAR INSTALLMENT TELEVISION BUYING OFFER A YEAR EARLIER. AN OFFICER FROM THE PASADENA, CALIF., POLICE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTS WAYS TO PREVENT CONSUMER FRAUD INCLUDING ASKING SALESPEOPLE FOR PROPER CREDENTIALS, AVOIDING BAIT-AND-SWITCH TECHNIQUES IN WHICH THE CONSUMER IS SWITCHED TO A MORE EXPENSIVE ITEM, AND AVOIDING PRESSURES TO BUY THE SAME DAY. THE FILM CLOSES WITH A SALESWOMAN'S DESCRIPTION OF TACTICS SHE USES TO SELL ADDITIONAL BABY PICTURES. THE NARRATOR EMPHASIZES THAT THE MAJORITY OF DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESPEOPLE ARE LEGITIMATE BUT THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO REPORT FRAUDS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OR TO THE APPROPRIATE LOCAL AGENCY. THE FILM IS INTENDED FOR AUDIENCES RANGING FROM JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AGE TO ADULT.