Have you had an encounter with a man selling books door to door?

From: Heather Tripp Leggett
Sent: Wed, July 6, 2011 3:41:51 PM
Subject: A man selling books door to door?

A young man came to my home yesterday while my oldest son was home alone.  My son didn’t go to the door but he did manage to get the make and color of the car.

This man came again before lunch yesterday.  He came up my driveway driving at least 30 mph, ran to the door, banged on it, all the while talking to himself, shaking, and dancing around.  I am a stay at home mom and I never open the door for anyone while I am home with children alone. (I was watching through the blinds while on the phone with 911 dispatch).  I got a tag number, make and model of the car, and a discription of the man. They dispatched a sheriff but we live so far out in the country that it takes awhile for anyone to get here.  The sheriff’s deputy advised us to keep our doors locked and our eyes open.

This man shows back up at 5:45 last night.  He comes to my back door. He does exactly the same thing.  This time I had another adult here with me, so I went to the door.  I asked him “who are you and what do you want?” I wasn’t trying to be rude but this guy really scared me out. He dodged all of my questions and started talking about how he had talked to all of the moms in the area and the “kiddies” that are Pandas, Chargers, etc. (these are the names of the mascots of the local schools)

He then started asking questions about my childern and if any of my neighbors have children.  I told him to “Get off of my property and do not come back!”  I shut the door and locked it.  I stood for a minute on the inside of the door because he was still talking.  I have no idea what he said but this guy stood there for about 45 seconds after I locked the door.. talking to himself.  He then ran and jumped in his car. I moved to the front of the house to try and see what state his tags were from. This man waved at me from his car as he drove away!

I am certain that this young man is selling books, after talking to other people in the commuinty.  I am not opposed to door-to-door salesmen. However, this particular young man acts very nervous.  I am also not ok with him asking questions about my children and the children of my neighbors.  I have also heard from other people that have spoken to this man that he has very personal information about people in our community ie names, addresses, work places, names and ages of children in the home.

I just wanted to put this information out there so that other people can be aware and cautious when dealing with door to door salespeople.  Especially, this young man in particular.

He’s a white male in his early 20’s, dark hair, 130lbs to 140lbs, 5’5″ to 5′ 8″. He drives a sliver Hyundai, four door with lightly tinted windows. There is a black tag on the front of the car with some kind of silver lettering in the middle of it. I am pretty sure he has a Kentucky plate on the back of his car.

I hope this helps someone else!