Police are warning residents of reports that individuals are going door-to-door in Takoma Park and surrounding areas, falsely soliciting magazine sales for a business called Optimum Reading Services.
According to Takoma Park Police spokesperson Cathy Plevy, “Optimum Reading Services claims to be a charity organization, purporting to donate magazines and books to various charitable causes, including Boys & Girls Clubs, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, children’s hospitals, and other charitable institutions. However, after researching the purported business, it has become evident that these magazine sales are a scam and have been occurring in other cities/states.”
Plevy also highlighted the following key points:
- Fraudulent Business: Optimum Reading Services is not a legitimate charity. It uses deceptive practices, falsely claiming to support charitable causes through magazine sales.
- Lack of Accreditation: The business is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which indicates a lack of credibility and trustworthiness.
- History of Complaints: Optimum Reading Services has received 37 complaints over the past few years for their fraudulent activities.
Those targeted by the scam are encouraged to contact the Takoma Park Police and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
“We urge all residents to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing magazines or making any donations to individuals representing Optimum Reading Services. If you encounter anyone soliciting magazine sales under this guise, please do not hesitate to report it to us immediately at (301) 270-1100,” Plevy said.
Photo: © Tim – stock.adobe.com
— Takoma Park Police (@TakomaParkPD) June 9, 2024