Supposedly a representative from Midwest Circulation LLC a door to door magazine sales company came onto the Is it a scam? blog and made an illegal claim because of a respondent who out lined their experience in detail with a one Corey Ward who was selling magazines for Midwest Circulation LLC. The respondent did research on the contact information listed on the receipt Corey Ward gave them and it appeared to be bogus.
Is it a scam? Door to Door sales link
The claim is below.
Anonymous Midwest circulation llc said...
using peoples full names is slander i hope you contacted the office to settle your issue. im sorry you feel the way you do about the company, but you cannot run around slandering people it is illegal:
MIDWEST CIRCULATION LLC: Just had a "Corey Ward" slick-talk us into this now-known scam. The company was at least 'trying' to look legit by providing info on the receipt: Midwest Circulation LLC, 506 Northland Drive, Cameron, MO, 64429 ... 816-632-2919 and a second phone and fax #. But a quick web search on the phone number revealed several recent posts of people trying to contact it regarding an "American Cash Awards" program with a similar M.O.
(see http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/american-cash-awards-c254995.html )
A Google Map of the address reveals a vague address, possibly of a strip mall.
October 27, 2009 12:38 PM
Empty claims of illegal doing by the consumer is another way scammers attempt to keep their victims quite about what happens. This is the perfect example of how a company tries to shut people up. They try to intimidate anyone who complains about their company by making false accusations that the victims claims are illegal to voice and also incorrectly site legal terms. For example slander is a verbal communication of falsehoods not a written account of a scammer in action. This company obviously feels the need to try and scare people into not reporting them to the local authorities or federal authorities. I urge anyone who reads this to stand up against these types of companies. If you have been threatened with legal action because you have a complaint about how a company has treated you please contact your attorney generals office, the local authorities, the better business bureau and if the amount is worth it file with small claims court. By the way Midwest Circulation LLC has a Better Business Bureau rating of C-. So far they have only one complaint against them and their contact info has been with the BBB since September 2009. Also, they are NOT BBB accredited. Oh and the phone number in the post is not the one on file with the BBB that number is 816-632-2917. Also, this isn't the only problem report with this company
Complaints board
Merareview
Of course the same respondent for Midwest commented on the complaints board too I wonder how many people have kept quite because this company tells them it's illegal to spread the news about encounters with their representatives.
UPDATE: MIDWEST CIRCULATION LLC BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU RATING HAS DROPPED TO D-.
Plus the company does not give any owner information on their website. Also, they have not submitted company owner information to the better business bureau. Obviously, this company has something to hide.
A blog about scams. Exposing the scams and giving tips on how to avoid them. At times making complete fun of the would be scammers.
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They dont sell to law enforcement. i found that out today as one came to my house and i was cleaning my car. he came up and told me he was from New Orleans and hes trying to win a trip to london, i was asking him all the questions and he looked at my car whihc is an unmarked cruiser and he siad he cant sell to law enforcment and i said why you not doing anything illegal are you and he said no and walked away so beware next i seem him he going to jail on my guess fruad and and commiting to scam people into buying things which are 300 times more than from the publisher beware
ReplyDeleteI just ha a black male try to sell me magazines today to send to a childrens hospital or troops. Very personal and flirtatious, noticed my daughters name on my key chain and brought her up, asking what color my eyes were, what i do for a living, etc. at first he state he was doing it to gain practice in public speaking and he had to look in my eyes. Then tried to get me to buy $119 in magazines but only took cash. He was getting points to earn a free trip to italy and if i went to the atm he would get a bonus 500 points! This was in the isle of walmart in taylor, pennsylvania!!! What a professional scam artist! I didnt give him a dime.
DeleteThis just happened to me as well... Asking what i did for a living, and he for 500 more points since I'm an entrepreneur, and said his dad is helping him get better at public speach. I asked for his facebook information....his fake name wouldn't show up, then i asked to see id, and he said his mommy wouldn't let him carry his id because its a lot of trouble if it gets lost. He said he would send us a picture in a Speedo at rome when he wins...
DeleteI had a girl come to my house which she insisted my 5 year old daughter to go and get me to open the door. What was she thinking? So I am on the phone while my daughter is talking my ear off and I am listening to this girl tell me something which sounded so prepared (like acting). I remembered a long time ago a girl coming to my house doing the same magazine scam and it was a scam because I gave them money almost 4 to 5 years ago, and here there are once again. I got her to write a number down and her name. I was looking up the information to report them.
ReplyDeleteMidwest Circulations came to my brothers house and begged him to buy a magazine...my brother has no job so they asked him if he wanted totravel with them and make a lil money...he left in a white van and said they were going to north carolina...we havnt seen my brother since...is he dead..is he ok...never trust these magazine sellers ..ive heard of them robbing people and doing great harm to the elderly
ReplyDeleteI've backed one of these kids up every year for the past 15 years. I get knocks on my door at least 3 times a year from kids doing this contest. If they look fishy and wont answer certain questions, and dont want to show a credentials card, price list, or any id, then tell them to move on. I feel im a good judge of character. Ive never been scammed by one of these kids. Ya, there may be a few bad apples, just be smarter and dont leave yourself open to being taken advantage of.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thing happen to me...although I must say this company must push them through a rigorous "charm school" or something, because they (more often than not) look somewhat tattered, but have a vernacular and personality that makes you wonder "why is this kid selling magazines to make money?" Anyway, I got taken by one of them approximately 2-1/2 years ago while in the middle of a kitchen remodel...I lost the reciept and with bigger fish to fry, totally forgot about the magazines!! Just last week, two boys came with a pitch that sounded so familiar...a point system...magazine sales...trip to London...college tuition...and I said, wait, I did this before and never received my magazines...but wasn't sure if it was the same company or not..so I ordered a 2-year subscription of 1 magazine...that night, I could not sleep at all...I felt really uncomfortable about it...so at 4:30 a.m., I got up, searched the company online and found that they were responsible for fraudulent behavior..and that wasn't the worst of it...kids have been found dead, have been raped, abandoned and these companies prey upon "street kids" those running from the law, and runaways...geesh...so needless to say, the check was cancelled and my bank account was emptied, as I also read they have an acid wash that can erase everything written on the check except for your signature and leave them with a blank check...On the back of their receipt, it says "if this written instrument comes back cancelled or there is insufficient funds, you will be charged a $20 fee...and my attitude is "yeah, well, come and get it" and I will have the state troopers waiting here for ya. I am disgusted how companies such as this exploit children who obviously have the ability to do something better with their lives...but maybe just haven't had the chance...so sad...
ReplyDeleteI worked for this Midwest Circ for a while, I was stranded and as a matter of fact I worked with The " Corey Ward" who ripped people off because his " Boss " Bryan Fallin- was pressuring him to do so. The company is not complete scam because my family does recieve magazines that I had sent to the house while on the road. It is the sales persons who are doing the scamming and9 out of 10 times the boss will not care as long as there is money in there pocket! Its an ultimate pyramid scheme. Bridgette Robbins is the CEO and president of this company. I will tell you what is a scam: There is no school tuition (lie), No donating to Childerens Hospitals(mega lie), Troops accross sea ( defenite lie) they cant even get magazines over there LOL, and if you do send one as a gift to someone in your family 10 out of 10 times you will either get the 3 THREE issues ( even though you paid for 12-36 for some reason they stop after 3) or your money will be pocketed and the oreder never turned in. I have seen people beaten and left ( by managers of the company) I have seen MEETINGS where the others will teach you how to scam and lie when you are being PROBED by the customer. Every day I worked for this company there were major drugs (being done openly) and more than usual underage drinking. Kids would ask to go home and they would either be told they needed to pay for their own ticket or that they had to wait until next week and if you decided to leave in the middle of the night or something of that nature, you would be discovered and they wouldn't let you get any of your belongings. If you look up the owner on facebook you can see her pictures and how the crew is scummy and drinks all the time and does drugs. This company absolutly ruined a big portion of my life. Thank god there are good people in my life right now. Please do not buy any magazines or whatever they lie and say they are selling because like i said 9 out of 10 never see or hear from them again or the magazines. IT IS A SCAM
ReplyDeleteI live in an apt. complex and was washing my 7month old sons bottles when my husband answered a knock at our door. A girl was standing there fast talking us about a survey she was doing to gain points to win $2000. My husband invited her in and she went over everything then handed me something to sign saying that it was for the magz. we got. Being the good people we try to be we signed a check to send the books to the troops over seas. After the girl left i looked at the receipt and it had the "f word" written on it. I read everything on it and there were so many odd things about it so i googled the company and found all kinds of bad things about them. Needless to say i will be at the bank when the doors open in the morning to cancel the check and close the account. People these days are rediculous. I'm only 18 but i have a family and im honest and responsible. People who do this should all be in jail!!!
ReplyDeleteI had a girl come to my door yesterday (on a sunday). Overly friendly,to say the least. She wrote F***er on my receipt, called my husband and I "mom and dad". She also bummed a drink & cigerette. I thought it was odd behavior for someone that should've been professional. She was far from it. She left a sticker on my door that read " Don't bother cause (her name) is hotter" That was to let her competitors know she had already been there. She told me she had been to my neighbors prior. I later found out she hadn't been there at all. This girl came into my home acting as if she had known us her entire life. I had a bad feeling about it after she left but then another neighbor/family member contacted me saying she had been to her home too so she googled the company and this is what we found. I called our local police and stopped my check. These kids travel around from state to state, probably by van, and are dropped in different locations to go door to door. I'm not even sure the kids know what they're actually doing but I agree, they are definately put through "charm school" as part of their training. When she left, she said she'd be back sometime to "hang out". Go figure....
ReplyDeleteI just had a kid visit my door selling magazine subscriptions to earn points. Since I had been burned by another company with such a scheme, I told him that I needed to check his company out with the BBB first. As soon as he left, I googled the company, and found extensive negative commentary on the company. One would think that with all of the internet abilities for these kids to communicate, they would know about the scammers, and the inherent dangers of "selling" products for them.
ReplyDeletei had this dude come to my door from buffalo ny name calvin worthy seem real cool guy that wounted to get his life togther sad each mag i buy he will take his self to the next step to be winning in staying out of trouble so i figure grate ill help i spend 400 dolers wit him he wounted it in cash so he a get extra points it kind of seem funny but there was just something about him that was like hes a grate guy my kids love his speech even had us in tears allmost so the next day my neibhor tells me its a scam i got on the sight in figure out it is i would like to say im ashame of him that was a bunch of bull crap door to door is dangerous i have read the reports its crazy how could parrents let they kids do this
ReplyDeleteI just had a similar situation like many of yours'. About the third time I was visited, I explained that I wasn't interested and asked for a sticker. The young man called me an asshole and walked off. I called after him, and caught up with him at the next door to ask for his name and supervisor's contact information. He told me he "didn't have to tell me shit!" and threatened to "box" me. He only gave me the name of his company, and this is as far as I've gotten.
ReplyDeleteThis nice kid came by our apartment today. A really fast talker and seemed like a really nice guy. He asked to come in to our place to talk and we reluctantly said sure. When he got in there, there was no turning back. He never showed us the price sheet or anything, but he did seem to "help" us out by showing us what magazines were cheaper. I had a bad feeling about it, but bought a subscription for kids at St. Jude for $56.00. I've read all of the awful things that happen to these sellers and I feel really bad for them. This company should not be operating any more.
ReplyDeleteThese people have been in Chattanooga TN and are really brave. I have to say that I fell for the scam and wrote the two young girls a check for a magazine subscription. When they left, I happened to look at the reciept then I knew I had been had. Unfortunately for the two girls, I caught up with them and demanded my check back. At first she would not return my check until I told her she could either give it to me or I would take it back. She gave it back. The police came by looking for the two girls a short time later. Apparently, they come in a person's house to take inventory of the things they want. They come back later and break in the house to take what they want. The red sticker that they give you to put on your door is the way the houses are marked. I am thankful that they did not come in my house, seems they were afraid of my dog. I have an aggressive chow and I told them to beware coming in my house- he bites but doesn't bark.
ReplyDeleteMidwest Circulation Crew #012 is currently in Cedar Bluff, AL. They are working the surrounding area. The names of the people in the crew are Jeff, Maddison, Mike, Dylan, Brittany, Chris, Jeffrey, Ryan, Katrina, Tyson, Pockets, Richie, Amber, and Porshe. These people will scam you if you let them! They are in a "contest" to win 20,000 or 35,000 points. To either win a trip to Europe, Cancun, Bermuda, and Nassau. They will tell you that you get a two year subscription to these magazines and one year's proceeds go to the charity of your choosing, this is a lie!! Do not give them money, do not write them a check, SLAM THE DOOR IN THE
ReplyDeleteIR FACE!! Some of them like to work trailer parks and apartments. Others like college campuses and nicer sub divisions. They will also work military bases and malls. BEWARE of these people, they are driving a white Chevrolet 15 passenger van, with a dealer tag. If you see them call the cops, they are committing interstate fraud, and scamming good people out of their hard earned money. They do not have solicitation permits and only one person out of the list is licensed to drive, and she doesn't drive!!! A majority of them have drug problems, if you have any pain pills in your home DO NOT LET THEM IN, THEY WILL STEAL THEM FROM YOU!!! These are bad people, doing a very bad thing!! Others are on the run for out of state warrants. One of them being burglary, but not just limited to that. I cannot stress enough to beware of these people and their SCAM!!! No magazines go overseas, no magazines go to charity, NO MONEY GOES TO CHARITY AT ALL!! Any donations made to these people get pocketed by them, or combined with other donations or overcharges to make another magazine sale to meet their "quota." BEWARE AGAIN!!
Midwest Circulation LLC IS a scam! I did research after ordering a magazine to donate to a local children's hospital, and I found out that I paid nearly 6 times what the magazine was worth. DO NOT BUY FROM THIS COMPANY!!
ReplyDeleteThey are in Dallas TX now. Just a heads up.
ReplyDeleteI thought there was something fishy about our encounter with a midwest circ. rep several weeks ago. I doubt now we'll ever see the magazines we paid (cash) for. We had fun talking to "Kevin" and I kidded him that he was a cult member and didn't even know it. Seriously though I did get a sense that he and his peers were being exploited. I hope he is okay. If he ended up pocketing the cash and tossing our order, well I guess I'm a fool but he probably needed the money. :-( It is dangerous for those young people to be out knocking on doors alone.
ReplyDeleteAugust 21, 2010 Mount Vernon, ohio... A girl name Jenna came to my door with the same pitch, contests and points. Gave $20.00 bucks for a subscription for my son that just came home from his tour in Afganistan. She put sticker on door and asked me to write I love Jenna on the check, now I'm guessing so she'll get her cut of the scam. She wore short shorts and low cut top and she smelled too. From the dates they must do this from spring to late summer. Everybody "Beware" Midwest Circulation.....
ReplyDeleteA girl named Michelle came to my door fast talking and selling me her magazines. She asked me first if I considered myself a violent person and then she asked me what my career was saying that she would get points based on my answer. I kind of felt bad for her and was going to buy something from her even if it was a marked up price just to be a nice person. So I wrote her a check for $56 and then found all these complaints. I called my bank and put a stop payment on the check, called the police and asked an officer who lived in the neighborhood to stop by and then called the company to cancel my transaction. I mailed the recipt with cancelation info filled out certified so I'd know who and when it was received. We will see. I think it's group #6 staying in Port Aransas, TX and trolling the whole South Texas area. It just feels like I've been suckered into being a John for some corporate pimp!
ReplyDeleteI worked for midwest and i can honestly say ive seen it all.. everything to beatdowns and left and stranded in the middle of nowhere to every kind of drug use possible. The girls that work for midwest that go by NINA(shoots up meth) Tiffany(biggest pill popper/weedsmoker/herion user)Laura(marijuana,herion,meth,crack)every one of these girls that i have been to doors with tried teaching me how to prey upon senior citizens and get inside there house to steal checkbooks and raid there medicine cabinets for over the counter contolled substance pain meds, for instance there favorites are xanax bars and loritabs and methadones..ive seen innocent people get beat down for no reason. ive seen these midwest kids talk people into giving them 100's of dollars in either checks or cash for magazazines that no one ever recieves.. they taught me so many different canvasses to lie to the nieghbors to get money out of them.. everyone is on some kinda drug and always getting drunk everynight... I would highly suggest no one ever join a magazine crew..especially midwest circulation..everyone pockets orders(especially laura the chubby thick one that asks the neighbors for food to snack on as she goes door to door)there all liars and theives and never have permits to work in any city..No one has a license and they all drive illegally with some kind of major felony warrent for there arrest out..
ReplyDeletemy son went with these people. They told him that he would make all this money. Ten days latter he's in jail because he didn't have a permit. He will remain in jail until he sees a judge. Eight days in jail. His boss states that he ran from police. The arresting officer and the judge stated that this is not the charge. The charge was solititing with out a permit. DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS OR ANYONE YOU KNOW GO WITH OR AROUND ANYONE LINKED TO THIS COMPANY. They prey on kids that want to see the world but they leave them when they dont needed them. They don't care how they get home. They just move on to the next city or state.
ReplyDeleteI feel like such an idiot. I live in Tallahassee, FL and I was just scammed too. The whole thing felt a little fishy, but just like everyone's been saying, the kid was very charming and I'm apparently a frickin bleeding heart. He said that he was getting points to win a trip to Nassau and he kept telling me he got more points because I was a student, and was going to be a teacher, etc. I was completely duped. I have no idea whether or not he knew it was a scam, but it is. He even put a sticker on my door and everything.
ReplyDeleteAfter he left, I found this website, as well as another and I realized my mistake. I called my apartment complex office so they could warn others, called my bank to stop payment on the check, took the sticker off my door, and called the police.
I feel sorry for the kids that get duped into doing this, but not sorry enough to ever fall for it again!
I sent the cancellation notice in the next day! I know this was a scam because the girl who got me called her self Truly. She was sexy and made me feel like she wanted to hangout and drink some beers with me. Well after a few minutes she said lets go some where we can talk, which was my car, and there she locked in her hooks. Telling me I had pretty eyes and how if I buy four orders we can hangout all day lol. This was crap and I guess it's my own fault for thinking a young pretty girl would want a 29 yr old man with a beer belly. Well she only got $120 out of me and I hope I to see it in the mail soon but i don't think it will happen. As soon as she got the cash from me she went silent. Very short and told me to call her later and we could hangout. SCAM SCAM SCAM!!!!
ReplyDeleteDid you get your mags?
DeleteWas in Wal-Mart last night when a charming guy came and approached me saying he's working on a school project in regards to public speaking and sales skills. He was funny, I was laughing, he was nice, friendly and then he started talking about magazines. 1st bell that went off in my head: what does selling magazines have to do with a school project. 2)he doesn't look like he's in high school or just starting college. So he pulls out a list of the magazines that they offer and I say which two I'm interested in and he writes out over $100. I say "Woah! For a year subscription???" he says its 2 years and they don't offer 1 year. So I just accepted that answer and only chose one out of the two. I brought it down to $56. I said it was still too much so he waved the shipping and handling charges bringing it down to $42. He wrote out everything so fast that it was almost literally scribble. So when I asked how to pay he told me cash OR check. So I was going to pull out my checkbook when he said cash would be better... again a warning bell in my head. I even asked him why and he said, "Because it takes longer for a check to be added into my commissions but cash I get right now." By this time, I'm charmed, flustered, hurried and all because of him. As a result, I fully admit my stupidity. I went to the ATM, gave him the exact amount, he used MY phone to call his friend to let them know he was done with work for the night since as he told me, I was his last sale. of course... So, stupid me, I'm finishing my shopping and I'm like, "You're a friggin idiot..." of course he wanted cash, the receipt didn't look right, it was a very hurried transaction, we were in Wal-Mart for calling out loud! I'm so angry because I felt I asked a lot of good questions from him BUT I wasn't even paying attention to what the right answers should have been. So now I'm out of $42 CASH and I have no one to be angry at except myself. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! Don't get taken like I did! Ugh, lessons learned the hard way...
ReplyDeleteThey got me for 62 bucks at the mall...
DeleteThey were recently sighted in High Springs, Florida (Gainesville area). Police ran them out of the neighborhood for soliciting without a permit. The rest of it fits.
ReplyDeleteHad 2 girls come to my house toda. Asked what field my husband and I worked in and said our answers would give them points to help them win a vacation. they asked to come in to talk and my husband let them in! I was not happy about that at all! He gave them his name and our address which i did not like...i should have came out of the other room and threw them out! They discussed putting a sticker on our door too, to keep the other kids from knocking on our doors she said there were 200 of them state to state doing this. They were supposidly from up north.... I watched them from another room i never came out. Seemed like a scam from the get go to me but i am more cautious of people than my husband....they gave my husband some magazine ordering material to look at but he didn't buy...they wanted "cash only". I knew right then it was a scam. We don't have much, so hopefully they weren't taking inventory of our house. Could be crooks for all i know. He gave them 0.10 cents and told them to leave and one girl kept talking about getting "wasted" tonight...ugh~! seriously? SCAM SCAM SCAM!
ReplyDeleteThey were working Plant City, Florida between Tampa and Orlando today. After reading all of these posts, I cancelled my check and have transferred all of my funds out of the checking account. It is truly sad how the preyed upon prey upon others. She was a cute girl, think she said her name was Hayley, and screwed up her life, etc. trying to turn it around and get back to college. I have college aged kids so I felt sorry for her. Won't happen again. If I see them working my neighborhood, Walden Lake, again, I am calling the cops.
ReplyDeleteWell, this group just tried their games in Apopka, FL. but thanks to this blog they have been shut down for today by the local police! Here's hoping not too many folks fell prey! If you did, REPORT IT TO YOUR LOCAL POLICE!!!!!! the only way to stop this is for law enforcement to be aware!!! remember folks no complaintant= no crime
ReplyDeleteWe had a guy who smelled like alcohol come to our house today, and my husband opened the door and started speaking with him. He was a real slick talker who won my husband over right away. He was Puerto Rican like my husband and started talking about how great it was to find another Puerto Rican and asking where my husband was from. Then he started trying to guilt him into buying from him so he could get custody of his kid and get points towards a trip. He told him he can put a sticker on our door so nobody else would bother use. He asked for our name and address which unfortunately my husband gave, and then started a pressure sale on my husband trying to use our kids to get him to buy a magazine. My husband kept asking what the prices were and he just danced around the answer every time saying it varies. I was in the other room and knew this was a scam, so I walked in asking for business information. He handed me a receipt with company information on it, so I started calling the numbers on there, and looking the business up on line. When I called the numbers it sent me to voice mail even though I was calling during regular office hours, so called the second number provided and got the same thing.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was doing this the guy was uneasy and tried to win me over. He was trying to get me to tell him what I liked to read, and soften me up, but I continued to ignore him and focus on looking up anything I could find on Midwest Circulation LLC. I found their website which is those cheap $4.99 a month Vista Print websites, no good reports from BBB or from past customers. I told the guy no go, and he walked off upset.
Thank goodness for modern technology, other wise we would be out of some money. These guys are not trust worthy, and should not be given any money. Buyer Beware!!!
Had two guys come to my apartment in the Otlando, FL area this evening selling magazines to raise money for a university trip. Some school I've never heard of. They said I could donate a subscription to the troops, which I did to the tune of $58. In retrospect everything about it was fishy. Then i checked the company online. I'm calling the bank in the morning to stop my check. Can't believe I got sucked into this.
ReplyDeleteLaura Restovic (you can find her on facebook) is one of the girls mentioned above "the chubby one" addicted to crack meth heroin and pot. Its one thing to read about this but a whole different thing when you end up KNOWING somebody who is involved. She has always been a shady individual but this is just beyond sketch.
ReplyDeleteIn Southern Orange County, CA. Girl came to the door "Ashley". Same song and dance as the rest of you, my SO gave her a check for $66 and she went on her merry way. I do a quick check on the company listed on the "receipt" and it was some bogus company in MO.
ReplyDeleteI go back to get the check from her because there was no way in heck that she was going to hold onto my check. She relucantly gives me the check back but keeps the copies of the receipt. Stupid me doesn't get at least one of the copies.
I try to get at least one of the copies (not all, just one) and she gave me the sob story about how she won't get credit if she doesn't hand in the receipts. I wasn't going to take them all, just one. Then gave me the phone number of "Sneed" or who ever is her "keeper" is and told me to talk to him. They both told me the same thing about "Walmart" but then he changed his story in the end about how he's not her boss. Weird.
Called the cops, who knows if they did anything. Not sure if anyone knows if they do anything with the information on the receipts, but the police seem to think that they don't.
Grrr.
They came to St Augustine, FL yesterday. The girl was cute and told me she needed 2000 points so she could get some money from her company (Midwest Circulation LLC)so she could go to college. I gave her a check for $64 so some American soldier could get 25 issues of Sporting News. I guess I got suckered in also. But I learned a lesson. DONT GIVE MONEY TO ANYONE!!!! As long as they don't get anymore than the $64, I'll be OK. Hopefully they won't try any identity theft or anything!!!!
ReplyDelete'john watson' is in St Augustine Florida and my fire fighter husband paid 58 for soldiers to get a year of mens health magazine. Just left the post office sending a return receipt letter requesting the check back as the back of the reciept says. I called their office this morning and
ReplyDeleteWas scolded when I suggested they were fraudulent. I will also call the police today. This makes me so mad!
Ah yes, the scam... Well today a young man knocked on my door as they have been doing off and on for the past year selling magazines stating they will get points towards a trip to some exotic place and are in a competition for a cash prize. I usually turn them away nicely but today I guess I was feeling generous and wrote a check for 58 dollars for a subscription to bow-hunting magazine that included a bonus 36 editions. Same sob story, same scenario. After he left I went upstairs and checked the company online and found this blog site. I jumped in my truck and chased the little shit down. He gave me my check and receipts reluctantly. Amazingly enough the receipt had VOID written across it. Not 5 minutes later this black Chevy trial blazer SUV comes pulling up and out comes this trashy white lady demanding I give her the copy of the receipt or it would cost this kid 200 dollars. I tell her NO, its a scam and to get off my property. She's yelling that I have his personal property and that I have to give it back. I again tell her "your not getting anything" now leave. She says, Give it to me or I'll take it. Hahaha I looked her straight in the eye and say "then try and take it bitch"! She stands there with her fists clenched not speaking or moving so I walk inside and call the police. They came by and made a report. I gave the description of the vehicle and occupants. I haven't heard anything yet but that was only an hour ago. Im in jacksonville florida on the north side.
ReplyDeleteI want to say thank you to all of you that have posted on here. You saved a young adult from getting involved with such people. When they advertise for help it all sounds wonderful, but when you look at the big picture it all comes right back to the old saying "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is." Again thanks to all of you who have posted. All the authorities have been made aware of these people and you all saved a young persons life.
ReplyDeleteThese kids are in Wichita Falls, TX claiming to be school kids selling books for a school trip. Beware of this scam.
ReplyDeleteI had a young man by the name of Stevie stop by my house in Wichita Falls, TX to sell me a magazine. This kid was such a delight. Well versed in his roll to sell. Then I hear on the news about the scam, what a let down. I asked him several questions and he answered them all without hesitation. He even gave me his own phone number. WOW I should call him and let him know it's all a scam, BUT HE ALREADY KNOWS..,What a freaking PUNK...
ReplyDeleteI live in simi valley, CA. On March 29th, a girl by the name of Brittney came to our door. Cute little thing and charming... and a fast talker. She said she lives in our neighborhood and named the street. She said she was the daughter of (I forget the names she used but I didn't recognize the name) and said she does Cheerleading competition and they won the nationals and are trying to earn their trip to the finals. She told us she goes to Ventura College (Which is one of our Community Colleges in the Ventura County area.) She saw our dogs while at the door and made a comment about them. Then she said that you'll see my mom walking our Golden Retriever, my mom's the one with the short brown hair.
ReplyDeleteSo, after she left, my husband and I got to talking and we both said "I've never seen a women in our neighborhood walking a Golden Retriever (our neighborhood is a small gated community with about 54 homes) That's when we started to think this girl, probably doesn't live here and this is probably a scam. We only wrote out a check for $25.00 and not the full sponsor amount which was about $56 or so. She said that part of the money will go to her for her trip and part of it will go to educational books for kids in the Children's Hospital.
I cannot believe we believed this girl. She is very charming and my 21 year old son answered the door so of course he kept wanting to talk to her because she was cute. She asked questions to my son, like "how old are you and what do you do for a living..etc. She even told us that our neighbor across the street (and used his real name) wrote a check to help sponsor a child.
So beware people! What these young kids are doing is prentending to live in the area. They will even say they live in your neighborhood! They want you to feel that they are safe to give money to because they are "YOUR NEIGHBOR"!!! They will use familiar local places in their conversation and familiar names of your neighbors so you will think...Oh yeah, I've know of that college...or school...or whatever it is they are using at the time. They want you to believe that they live in your area so it must be legit. It's easy for these people to do a little research on the local colleges and schools to use in their sales pitch to fool us.
I put a stop payment on the check so we'll see what happens. Just don't fall for it like we did. Don't give any money to these people.
They are now in Bowling Green, KY ripping off people outside, and inside, Walmart stores. I saw two get arrested outside the Walmart on Campbell Lane last night. Buy nothing from a door to door sales criminal.
ReplyDeleteMIDWEST CIRCULATION IS ALL BS!!!! DO NOT BUY INTO THESE LIES!!!! I'VE TRIED MY HARDEST TALKING TO POLICE AND INVESTIGATORS TO STOP THESE PEOPLE AND BUST THEM, BUT THEY COULDN'T DO NOTHING!!!! I WISH THERE WAS SOME WAY I COULD STOP THEM!!! I WAS 17 AND I BOUGHT INTO THEIR LIES WE'LL TRAIN YOU FOR TWO WEEKS AND PAY YOU FOR THEM TWO WEEKS!!! THAT'S SOME BS!!! U GET THREE DAYS OF TRAINING AND AFTER THAT YOUR PRETTY MUCH ON YOUR ON!! THEY DO DRUGS EVERY NIGHT!!! STAY AT DIRT CHEAP HOTELS!!!! YOU STAY OUT PAST ELEVEN EVEN TWELVE SOME NIGHTS IF YOU DON'T SELL ENOUGHT MAGAZINES FOR THE CAR HANDLER!!!!! THEIR IN TN RIGHT NOW DO NOT ANSWER YOUR DOOR FOR THESE PEOPLE!!! THEY'LL SCAM YOU OUT OF 2OO DOLLARS OR EVEN MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOMEONE BOUGHT A MAGAZINE FOR 56 DOLLARS AND I WAS BESIDE HIM AND HE SAID TO THEM I FORGOT TO SIGN IT AND THEN WROTE A 1 IN FRONT OF THE 56!!!! I HATE THESE PEOPLE!!!! DO NOT WRITE A CONSENT FOR YOUR KIDS TO TRAVEL THEY'LL STRAND YOU AT A BUS STATION IF YOU DON'T STAY FOR THEM TWO WEEKS AND WON'T PAY FOR THE TICKET UNLESS YOU FILE A POLICE REPORT!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLaura Restovic is not on crack, meth or heroin. She has always been ambitious and was sucked into nag sales and is now home with a broken hand which a mag crew owner Travis Riley is responsible for and has a felony warrant and he brags about having 5 felony warrants out. I am her mother and am glad I was able to make her realize how dangerous these people are.
ReplyDeleteI am a federal investigator trying to contact Laura Restovic in connection with this assault involving Travis Riley. Please have her contact me. She is not in trouble. I just want to speak with her about this incident. Thank you.
DeleteRespectfully,
Zakary Freeze, US Probation Officer
zakary_freeze@ilnp.uscourts.gov
(312) 435-5746
If you want the people I can give them to you I know how they work and what they do
DeleteThey were in St. Joseph, MO yesterday. Coincidentally, 30 miles west of Cameron, MO, the alleged address of Midwest Circulations, LLC. I got suckered in. My bank opens at 730am. Hopefully I can get that check blocked before they try to cash/deposit it. I definitely learned a big lesson today.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got home from work my partner informed me a girl name Shawna came to the house selling magazines as she will get points towards prizes and an education. She told me the girl had a poor addication history. She gave her a 65.00 check for ONE MAGAZINE. I knew right there it was a scam. Being scammed for 1800 last year I knew what this one was about. I did some reseach on Patriot Sales and the receipt that read PCCS SCAM ALERT. I went to the hotel to speak to the supervisor who got really PO when I said this was a scam and I want my check back. Tall man rotted teeth calling me a fat ass bitch--really professional huh. So I wanted for the WHITE VAN to show up and when the girl got out I got the check back as they say they want to barf on my carpet, I am such a BITCH, fat ass slut...hmmm nice company huh. Well I went to the police who called them and turned the heat up. They were supposedly going to look into it tomorrow AM. Maybe they will be gone by then. I am going to turn up the heat big time tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteToday they are in Boise, Idaho. They came to my door, and yes I fell for it. After about 10 minutes of questioning myself I researched this to find out it is fraud. They were selling on university property, so I reported this to the campus security and local police department. They were able to find them, arrest them, and return my checks to me. Don't buy from any door to door salesman without a solicitors license. I would have loved the mags if they were legit.
ReplyDeleteI just got "punked" in Little Rock, AR. A 20-yr old boy with piercings and tattoos knocked on my apartment door. I feel so embarrassed because I've had friends involved in similar "businesses." He seemed completely honest, but after these posts and thinking about our conversation, I believe it was a hoax. Almost everything happened exactly as the other posts stated: the cash prize, the trip, not telling me prices, inviting himself in, him admiring my furniture/tv/etc., him kindly donating it to a charity for me, asking about my career, telling me about his "career" dreams and "online college", getting frustrated when I seemed reluctant to help him, asked me strange questions like, "are you a caring person?" and "do you live alone?", a blue van that apparency dropped all the kids off, the sketchy receipt, HIM WANTING ME TO RIP UP MY COPY OF THE RECEIPT SO I WOULDN'T CANCEL MY ORDER, the phone call right after making the sale telling him that the van was leaving, the sticker on the door. It's a well-oiled machine. The worst part of it was because I was so skeptical, we even sat down and research his company online. I failed to notice the sketchiness of the Midwest Circulations website because the National Field Selling Association did seem legit. He focused my attention on NFSA, telling me they are in charge of the Girl Scouts (which I have yet to confirm). I then typed in "is midwest circulations a hoax" into google and he got strangely quiet (since he'd been talking nonstop). Somehow he stole my attention before I read this website, and I ended up writing him a check because I was just ready for him to leave and I couldn't say "no" now. After reading these posts, I cancelled the check and sent the cancellation receipt in (I am glad didn't rip it up). I guess I'll cancel my bank account as well to prevent any possible identity theft. He knows my name, address, possessions, employer, phone number, and routing and bank account numbers. He could also deduce that I work 8 to 5 and because I live alone, I'm a little worried I'm going to come home to an empty apartment. However, part of me still feels sorry for him because I truly believe we're both getting conned. He seemed to really believe he was bettering himself. He seemed really excited when we picked out a charity while researching online. But that's probably just me trusting people too much, which is what got me in this predicament in the first place.
ReplyDeleteThey are in Denver, CO now. Same story as above about the cheerleading nationals and donations to the children's hospital. She asks to come inside as well. Don't answer your door.
ReplyDelete"Truly" (someone mentioned her above) just got me in a Walmart parking lot for $110 donation. She's pretty cute and should be doing something legit. I hope she dies in a grease fire.
ReplyDeleteI got bilked too; northern California in March.
ReplyDeleteSame story: fast-talking younger girl, lots of "high fives" during the pitch, started writing out the order from the get-go. I wrote a check for the subscription, for a magazine that I am sure will never arrive. Took me awhile to figure out it was a scam, but I closed my checking account (the check had already cleared, but at least they don't have my acct. number anymore). I'll never see that $50 again, but at least they can't empty my checking account.
Does anyone know if there is an identity theft component to this scam? The girl asked me a lot of personal questions during the sales pitch. I actually made up most of my answers because I was uncomfortable/suspicious. I guess I should have listened to my instincts completely and never handed her the check. But live and learn.
I used to work for these guys also.I did not believe it was a scam at first was with them for about 1 month. That when things got worse yes bridget. Robbins is the owners name. They do drive 15 passenger vans all of them are white. They are all illeagl to be on the road and are very dangerous to drive. They smoke weed in the vans also drink in the vans. When they dropped me off in a area if it said so solicitation. I just walked around that area till I got picked up and never knocked on doors after five at night. Well anyways I got told that they did not have to buy my ticket back home I had to make up a excuse that my father was in the hospital just for me too come home. When I got honlme I looked up the company and learned I got myself out of danger l. Yes you can still help the kids out by maybe giving them 5 or ten dollars to eat on if they do not sell they will never get paid me my self took down the number of the person I took a check from and after I got paid that night I called the person advising them to cancel the check right away. Soif you see the guys help them out for like 5 to trn dollars so they can eat but never he'll them with mag. Subscriptions the bosses cell number. This is her direct number 877.724.1028. Call and leave nasty messages on her phone
ReplyDeleteThey are in currently in Labette County. Parsons, KS. a boy goin by the name of P.J. claimin he was 19 from Memphis. out of his group number #028 and a girl name Sara age 21. his "company" is "midwest circulation llc" and he tried sellin me some bogus magazines. Also, I was with one of my friends and P.J. tried convincing us to join the company. Sayin: all the same stuff yall been sayin, Training for 2 and u get paid, the college trip, you travel the united states, you can smoke weed n drink all day everyday, He even admitted to "manipulating the elderly/common people." Me and my friend feel like the only reason he gave us so much info is cuz he thought we was gonna join. And to be honest, I was really about to join it sounded too good to be true, cuz im currently unemployed. These kids had Several Tattoos/Piercings and the girl had a "Support the Troops" Tattoo which they say they support. Which is also a big lie. we had a fishy feeling from the beginning. But the best part is when the girl said they're going to the East Coast, she said Tennessee. Coincidently where P.J. was from. and then 5 seconds after she said they're goin to the East Coast, P.J. said "ya were about to go to California." Sooo...put two n two together and you get Rip Off. I feel sorry for the people that fall into this bullshit, because i was falling into it myself. This is one of the most craziest things i've ever experienced in my life, and it comes to show how fucked up this world is! oh ya...btw its currently 2:39 a.m. in kansas and me n my friend been trippin on this shit, we drove by 2 motels and coincidently seen WHITE 8-10 passenger CHEVROLET VANS with BLACK TINTED WINDOWS. They are obviously good at what they do...We also called BRIDGETT ROBBINS AKA the "CEO" of midwest circulation and we asked one simple question. stating that "we were offered a job by one of your associates and we was wondering if it was Legit." And after 5 Seconds of silence we realized she had hung up the phone. These people are some sick fucks in the head. straight weirdos..
ReplyDeleteThey are in currently in Labette County. Parsons, KS. a boy goin by the name of P.J. claimin he was 19 from Memphis. out of his group number #028 and a girl name Sara age 21. his "company" is "midwest circulation llc" and he tried sellin me some bogus magazines. Also, I was with one of my friends and P.J. tried convincing us to join the company. Sayin: all the same stuff yall been sayin, Training for 2 and u get paid, the college trip, you travel the united states, you can smoke weed n drink all day everyday, He even admitted to "manipulating the elderly/common people." Me and my friend feel like the only reason he gave us so much info is cuz he thought we was gonna join. And to be honest, I was really about to join it sounded too good to be true, cuz im currently unemployed. These kids had Several Tattoos/Piercings and the girl had a "Support the Troops" Tattoo which they say they support. Which is also a big lie. we had a fishy feeling from the beginning. But the best part is when the girl said they're going to the East Coast, she said Tennessee. Coincidently where P.J. was from. and then 5 seconds after she said they're goin to the East Coast, P.J. said "ya were about to go to California." Sooo...put two n two together and you get Rip Off. I feel sorry for the people that fall into this bulls**t, because i was falling into it myself. This is one of the most craziest things i've ever experienced in my life, and it comes to show how f**ked up this world is! oh ya...btw its currently 2:39 a.m. in kansas and me n my friend been trippin on this s@#t, we drove by 2 motels and coincidently seen WHITE 8-10 passenger CHEVROLET VANS with BLACK TINTED WINDOWS. They are obviously good at what they do...We also called BRIDGETT ROBBINS AKA the "CEO" of midwest circulation and we asked one simple question. stating that "we were offered a job by one of your associates and we was wondering if it was Legit." And after 5 Seconds of silence we realized she had hung up the phone. These people are some sick in the head. straight weirdos..
ReplyDeletemy friend is 19, he went to meet these people for a meeting at 9pm. and never came back. he called is father 3 days later to say he was ok. now no one has heard from him since... these people are a CULT... please everyone beware!!!!!!! do not let them talk to your childern, do let your childeren interview with them.
ReplyDeleteright now they are in lawrence, kansas going to apartments. This literally happened earlier today. I fell for it but immediatly researched it and cancelled my check same deal with stories and high fiving. I hope they get stopped soon. I will never buy anything from sales people again!
ReplyDeleteA young while male selling magazines for college (claiming to be from Ga) knocked on my parents doors, smooth talker. He sold mom $58.00 order for the troops at war, since she said she didnt read much and would like confirmation mailed. Now they have taken her bank acct and routing number and written checks throughout Ga at the super Walmart Stores. They have written these checks thru electronic checking and processed almost $900.00 in checks in four days. My parents are on Social Security and this has wiped out their acct. This company is totally a scam!! He better hope that when the investigator and myself review the store video, he moves quickly. I planned to find him, charge him and prosecute to the fullest. Midwest needs to be shut down, because I have not taken this lightly and I will handle it with the help of sheriff's dept, bank, federal reserve, telechk and walmart fraud dept. He just better not ever knock on this Alabama door again!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThey were in Iola, Kansas on Father's Day and the local police arrested four of them. Several of them were acquiring military regalia from veterans as well.
ReplyDeletei worked for midwest for a little while 048 manager brad graham is a jerk off they promise kids big bucks to come sellin magazines (scaming people) dont trust anyone with your money or letting theise stangers in your home they shave up and dress young theise guys are in their twentysdont buy into the b.s. BTW Brad Graham your a scumbag i cant believe you tried to get me to come back to work for you youcant pay people in pizza you douche waffle as far as bridget the(CEO)like any other whore shes in it for the money no matter what it takeseven if it means taking it deep =) beware of theise people they will scam you !
ReplyDeleteBeware of a girl named Britnee Burleson. She scammed several people in Memphis with a cheerleading donation scam! She used our neighbor's name and said she lived down the road from us. She said she was collecting money for the children's hospital and her cheer squad. She gave us a bogus magazine voucher. This is her real name, she is on Facebook and Myspace. She is a SCAM ARTIST!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThey were here today, 26 July 2011, in the Illinois quad cities area. Yep, they got me, a cute young girl that said her name was Holly Leva and that she was from Vermont. Being retired and unaware of this bunch they got me for $58.00 cash. The story that I was told is similar to the other posts written here. Sounds like a Chris Hansen investigation made for tv is needed to get the word out and close this company down.
ReplyDeleteI just got out of Midwest Circulations. They are a bunch of sick and vile people whose only goal is to take as much money as they can from anyone they can. Everyone from the rich people in luxury houses to the old on Soc. Sec. dieing of kidney failure. They are a bunch of sick animals who need to be brought down. Stand up. If they come to your house let everyone know. Do NOT let them in your house.
ReplyDeleteI feel so stupid and angry that I fell for this. They are in Iowa.
ReplyDeleteI also had on my door, back in April, 2011, two twenty something girl and guy that by the way, they stink as they were addictive smokers. They said that they were students, they asked me if they could come into my house and talk about their business. After they explained for a while about the "circulation", they said that I have to pick at least three magazines, which by the way the price was too high. I said that I barely could pick for only one magazine. At first they didn't want to accept it, but I said: "it is one or nothing", "those magazines are too expensive. When they finally accepted, I wrote them a check for $58.00 for one magazine. They cashed my check on May, but I waited for the magazine until June. I called on June and a woman who answered said that my magazine would be in circulation by July. Today is August 2 and I don't see my magazine yet. I called again, and a woman who answered said that my magazine take 120 days to received it. In fact, when they answer the phone you can hear children talking in the backgroun, which sounds to me not a legitimate business. Besides, the woman who answered was very rude this time when I asked her what kind of business was this that they give me different answers every time I call. I feel really bad to suggest consumers that it is better to do what other people on my neighborhood do: SLAM THE DOOR ON THEIR FACES, especially if they are from MIDWEST CIRCULATION LLC.
ReplyDeleteDid you get your mags? They got me for 62 bucks!
DeleteI'm very worried. Someone very close to me, who is handicapped, got scammed into going to work for these people. Packed a suitcase and left, just like that. No money, no cell phone. People wouldn't be able to notice the handicap, but this person is not wise enough to see through the lies. Any ideas on how to get in touch and get them back?
ReplyDeleteI hardly make comments on anything, but on this I must. A girl came to my house and said that, "My neighbor said I was really nice." She goes on to explain very little detail about Midwest Circulations. She was dressed poorly, had a nose ring in the mid of her nose that was black and white. She is petite has short brown hair and blue eyes. I let her in my home in out of the cold rain. I unfortunately fell for her story about earning points to go to Cancun, and to support her college tuition. They are circulating in Southern West Virginia. They lack a lot of information on there advisement for Midwest Circulations. They will do their best to get into your home, get your money, and to leave quickly. Do not open your doors to them...I was very upset about being scammed, but I've learned from my mistake. Also do not give out any of your information.
ReplyDeleteThey are in Four Lakes Condos in Lisle IL. BEWARE!!! Do not buy anything from them! A few got arrested but they are still out there.
ReplyDeleteThey were in Oxnard CA Sept 1st... Got scammed. I have reported them to the better business bureau as I also cancelled mine the very next day and the money was still taken out of my account. I will do everything I can to get this fixed. They are running a scam! How is this still going on? Why aren't more people reporting them to the BBB?
ReplyDeleteThey are in Waynesville MO now
ReplyDelete8/26/11 working in Zanesville Ohio. Real smooth talker. She was in her early 20's. same story got so many point towards some trip/prize. Out $40. Lesson learned will never buy anything from door to door sales again. Not worth the risk of potentially not getting anything.
ReplyDeleteBaton Rouge Louisiana, 10/27/11. Description of scammers: "Hi, we're here on a class project. Help get me points to Cancun, Buy this subscription to help St. Jude and get a buzz off door tag." Fast talking, carrying green receipts, looking scummy.
ReplyDeleteA group similar to the one describe above came and knocked on my door this afternoon about five thirty. I was sleeping and had been this afternoon as I am sick. They said they were there working on a class project and were trying to improve their speech skills. The guy was dressed poorly like a skater with a white DC hat, tall and chubby and the girl seemed normal, petitie brunette with short brown hair and blue eyes. She seemed nice and the other guy seemed like a fast talker and a charmer. They asked me to buy a subscription to any of their magazines and wouldn't tell me the price, saying I had to pick one. Alternately they explained that I could contribute by buying the Family Fun package, like my neighbor did, books for St. Jude.
They told me they were going on a trip to Cancun and trying to improve their life, join college, yada yada and what was my career. They alluded to them just getting out of high school but they looked over 25! ANyway they kept asking me didnt i want to help them get their points and if i didnt have to spend any money right now would i help them get their points. I said, well, maybe-they wanted me to give them a check that they would return to me via the mail. I told them i was thinking like five dollars and no i would not be comfortable giving them my checking information. The guy was the main talker and he got all rude with me and even called me on the fact of "if i didnt have any cash then how was i goingt to make a donation outside of the check? Again, i said i was thinking a very small check. For someone who "was so scared and nervous to talk to me" he sure was confrontational. The whole thing was well rehearsed. I told them no thank you and didnt let them pressure me anymore. I was so sleepy but alarm bells kept going on in my head. I looked online and i found all this information...I had to post my story....One question-did they carry green recipts? Had I been awake more I would have asked for credentials and the name of the company. Oh yeah, they tried to come in my house.
Total scam! I warned as many of my neighbors as I could. I hope no one was gotten!!!
Hello every one I'm from Florida. I was hires on to a traveling magazine crew " mag crew " almost six years ago. It was a complete and total waste of my life. I worked for Atlantic circulation Inc, currently owned by Dan shoemaker. To break it down , a mag crew is kinda like a Higherarchy you start with the owner Dan, then he has his company sr. Managers , Jake burlengary, Melissa Burlengary, Brandon stice, matthew nagengast, bobbi jones, Josiah Reagan, Terri reagan, Michael Matthews, donavon connelly, Thomas bowser, Joseph Colbert, just too name a few. And all of these guys have people that's work for them and go door
ReplyDeleteto door, (agents
Yukon, Oklahoma-- 11-11-11 about 7:45pm
ReplyDeleteI just had a younger dude come thru my apt complex and knocked on my door to sell magazines to accumulate points for a $2000 scholorship and trip to St. Thomas.. I have had to do fundraisers thru highschool in the past.. Being the nice guy I am from MN ( MN nice!! ), I bought a 3 year subscription.. I really didn't think his personality was one of a scammer, but as soon as I said I may be interested, he said he'd wait at my door til I got back from the ATM.. Which seemed a little fishy.. I'd like to think ( and being new to the area ), this wasn't a "great" start to my stay in Oklahoma, but now that I looked up Midwest Circulation LLC, I think I've probably been had.. I could have asked the cute girl upstairs out to dinner, instead of throwing my $72 away towards some B.S. "fundraiser".. Unfortunately if I was had, I will not even give a chance to a legit pitch for a credible cause next time.. Fortunately, I am still asking the girl upstairs out!! May have taken my $$$, but damnit haven't taken my spirit!! Good luck all
well theyve hit sevierville tn,but my biggest complaint is the office ,you call the number and get verbally abused
ReplyDeleteI am a police officer and recently was a victim of these people. I became a police officer/detective to stand up for victims of crime and scumbags out there..as corny as that sounds. My wife ordered a magazine, we wrote a check for $53.00 and that was almost 2 months ago. We did not receive any notification from this so called company. We called and they told us that they don't carry the magazine that we ordered..huh, then why were we allowed to order it? Why did you not notify us? Why did you cash the check? I called these people and was cursed at; they don't believe I am a police officer. They will find out very soon I am and I know how to use the system to right a wrong. I can't stand ripoffs. I have investigated many scams and know the game. These people have hundreds of complaints according to the internet, why has the chamber of commerce in the city they are based out of allowed this to continue? By the way, if you post something that is true, it is not slander people. Any judge can look at all of the complaints and figure things out. IRS will be notified as well, every business has to file taxes. They are going to different states, there may be federal crimes involved. If you would like to check into the possibility of filing a class action lawsuit, let me know. If you are a lawyer and will take this on, let me know. I am working on other things as well. There is a principle here and I have never called a "business" and been curse at and when I saw the complaints on these people, that is all I needed. my email is jeff340hpd at yahoo.
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way...I was told to fill out the back of the receipt and send it in for a refund. The back of the receipt states I am cancelling the order, however, I am not. They did by virtue of letting me order a magazine that they did not have..the magazine I ordered is written on the receipt. Cancel what? Anyway, it is easy to figure these folks out, time to do something to end this. jeff340hpd@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWe had a young man and young girl come to our door in Fort Smith AR on 12/01/11...same story as all of the rest...fast talking, it was a cold night and we let them in our living room, gave in and ordered 2 subscriptions and wrote them 2 checks, which i have now put stop payments on. And have sent the cancellation slips to the company. I dont know yet how this will all play out, but feel like a fool for falling for the bright eyed eager youngster routine...hope anyone who reads this will not make the same mistake we did...
ReplyDeleteWhat the hell!! This just happened to me today! I am from Memphis TN I will definitly be at the bank tomorrow. Pissed off right now.
ReplyDeleteOne group is in Enterprise, AL (Southeast Alabama) right now. Just came to the door. Real great smooth talkers. Smelled like cigarette smoke and they have rings around their eyes from drug use. We totally fell for it because she showed us "credentials". At the end I remembered my dad falling for this years ago. It is so late that I have to wait to cancel the check. I feel bad for these girls. I called the police and like most things in Enterprise, the police dept sucks and didn't do anything. So beware Alabamians...they are coming your way. Don't let them in. Thank goodness I have dogs and gun because I hear they come back and try to steal from you later.
ReplyDeleteThey are in Tallahasse Fl right now. They got here on 01/07/12. Do not by from them or let them in your house.
ReplyDeleteYep, got screwed! Same song and dance as everyone!,....bs I am a police officer as well, and will be coming down on them as hard as I can they are in Panama City, FL!
ReplyDeleteIts January 16th, 2012 and they just knocked at my door approximately 10 minutes ago here in Gainesville, FL right next to the University of Florida Campus. Unfortunately my roommate gave them a check since they claimed to be working for the Wounded Warrior project to help injured soldiers. I called GPD and filed a suspicious activity claim and they are investigating. Seems that they have been around the area for a while and scamming people. Call your local police department and report these people if you see them!
ReplyDeleteThey are in gainesville. His name is Craig...call the police on them as they wait for the check. If you read this after writing the check call your bank immediately and freeze your account/open a new one.
ReplyDeleteThey are in Orlando, Florida tonight. But worst part is, people only read this after getting scammed.
ReplyDeleteThey are are Clovis, NM area. I just got hit by them. Justin and John police have been notified but heads up
ReplyDeleteHere in Winston-Salem, NC, at about 8pm on Feb 24, my girlfriend and I were (almost) scammed here at our apartment complex.
ReplyDeleteTwo kids about 18 years old came to the door, one black kid and one white kid. The black kid started talking fast about helping us get him $2000 for college as well as a trip to Cancun... needing "points" that he accumulated through us buying magazine subscriptions to "send to the troops" or "for underprivileged kids".
We stupidly bought their pitch and gave them 2 separate checks at about $50 a piece, $40 in cash, and even $27 in change... he asked for our change jar saying that "his boss gives him extra points for getting change, just because it's funny".
Directly after they left, my girlfriend and I Googled this company and found this website and all the stories about others being scammed. I immediately took my 100 pound dog, and my 9 iron and went on a little stroll around my apartment complex looking for these scumbags. After about 20 minutes, I saw an SUV driving through my apartment complex, honking its horn constantly. I found this to be very odd, so I followed the SUV as best I could and magically ran into them. "Hey guys, hows it going???", I asked them like we were old buddies. They then asked me, "Have you seen an SUV driving around beeping their horn? That's our boss coming to pick us up". I said, "Yep, that's how I tracked you down actually".
Standing in the parking lot of my apartment complex, 9 iron in hand, I demanded that they put the $40 in cash, and both checks on the ground, then put the bag of change on top of them so the wind wouldn't blow the paper away. I then told them to walk backwards about 50 feet while I picked up the money and returned to my apartment. After about a minute of them trying to convince me that they were indeed a legitimate company, and consequently me threatening to drive a golf club through their skulls, they reluctantly put the money on the ground and walked away as they were told.
I did indeed get my money and checks back. I will be watching my bank account like a hawk over the next few days though, just in case. The bottom line is that whenever anyone comes to your door smooth talking you into buying something, slam the door in their face. Unfortunately we live in a world where people just cannot be trusted anymore.
I was one of the lucky ones who did get my money back. I hope and pray that these people died in a violent car accident a few hours ago, but if not, I just pray that no one gets scammed by these losers again.
2 march 2012 WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS> Just returned from the bank after stopping payment on the 56 dollar check I wrote yesterday. I feel bad but after reading about acid washing of checks I was inspired to action. I may even close this account.Fell for the "Pitch" St. Judes Childrens hospital or Wounded warriors could recieve magazines. The young man said he was ex military (MP in IRAQ) and even had three patches with him.I recognized the 1st cav and AIRBORNE flash, but didn`t recognize the 3rd. He said it was 82nd Airborne. I knew better because I have close ties with Ft. Bragg and Pope Field. The 82nd sports "AA" for All American. I thought at the time it might be a unit patch of the 82nd I hadn`t seen before. After he left I researched the third patch and found it`s from the 11th Signal Brigade "Thunderbirds". I tell this because he offered to trade these patches if we could do business. What a closing tool!! I just happen to collect patches. The main reason I feel bad is that if this young man did serve our country and gets in trouble for my cancelled order... I`m sorry....He can come back and I will give him back his patches.
ReplyDeleteThey are in Indianapolis now going by the name of "American Freedom Clearinghouse". Same scam, same operation. Be aware. They get a check from you then run it as ACH electronic deposit which gives them access to your account using the routing # and checking account #. Be careful.
ReplyDeleteDON'T give them money. And I would definitely suggest NOT letting them in your place if they ask like they ask me. I live in a college town and they knock on my apartment door around the same time every year. I got suckered in the first time I met them because I didn't know any better and they told me the magazines would be send to a local Children's hospital and I thought I was doing a good thing. I sent in the reciept thing to have my check cancelled and to my surprise I had my check mailed back to me with VOID written across it. HOWEVER, your check will have your bank account number AND routing number on it. All it would take is for one dishonest person in that company to write down your account information off your check and you wouldn't know till your account is drained or has transactions that are not yours. To this day I check my account for transactions I didn't do just to make sure.
ReplyDeleteNow I know it is them because they come around the same time every year and they are usually relatively young but sketchy looking people. I'm sure they aren't ALL bad people, but after these reviews and my interactions with them over the last few years (smooth, fast talking, have a quick response for every question, ask me weird questions, try to come inside, etc) I just dont trust them (the company). I still open the door just for fun to see what they have to say, but I always end up saying I did my research on the company and I have no desire to support it and give them my money. They always leave after that.
They are in Columbus, Indiana now. They came to our door saying they needed to earn points for a trip to cancun. Saying books would go to Riley. My dad took the bait. They need to put a stop to this.
ReplyDeleteEVERYONE! Please help me if you can! I'm a 16 year old junior in high school. One of my former classmates unknowingly took a job offer from a magazine scam called "Back A Winner" he has been reported as a missing person and his parents are losing their minds. If you have any contact information or leads please contact me ASAP at jonathonlegleitner@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteThey is currently a group of them in Burnsville MN at the Days Inn on County Road 42. Two of the vehicles are a Black Escalade Missouri Plate # HJ5 C1T and a Yellow Hummer
DeleteThey are currently in Burnsville MN staying at the Days Inn off of County Road 42. BEWARE
DeleteYep...I'm another soft hearted idiot that got suckered in to this. Guy came to my door trying to sell magazines. Well had written a check to him which I of course did a stop pymnt on. Will plan to close my account soon as well since they have the info. Course the person was being a little to friendly. I had warning bells riniging but felt pressured to do so...
ReplyDeleteWas approached yesterday by this group asking me if I'd like a job at the Village Inn on Kipling St. in Denver, Colorado. Listened to some slick guy tell me about making all sorts of cash in a relatively little amount of time, gave the man my phone number and moved on with my day. Today, I gave the dude a chance and contacted him, asking him all sorts of questions about the travel, the company itself, how I got paid, etc., etc., and told him I had to do more research before I let him know what my answer would be. After only 3 minutes of digging about this company, I came across this article and read the comments all the way down. When I called him and asked him what he thought about the comments, he became hostile and tried to convince me that only a few crews sullied the name of the whole operation, and that there was nothing he could do about it. I then asked him if he had a permit for his or any of his employees solicitations, he immediately changed the subject and his tone became even more hostile.
ReplyDeleteI hung up and texted him to lose my number, but not before figuring out where they were staying. I'm calling the police immediately about this group and I'm really damn glad I did my research before I made the decision.
In North West Metro Area of Denver today. Cancelled check & sent in cancellation/goldenrod copy of receipt. This needs to be stopped.
ReplyDeleteMyself and my significant other were approached by a "representative" of this company while sitting alone at a food court in Louisville, KY. The guy (named Joe, a fairly humorous and likeable due) at first told us he was trying to earn points for a contest so he could become a DJ for his school's radio station. After we told him we were traveling musicians ourselves, he began his sales pitch of trying to sell us magazines so he could "earn points". He spent a lot of time complimenting how pretty i was and was charismatic, if a little jumpy. when we informed him that due to our tour being self-funded, we didn't have money to buy magazines, he almost immediately offered us jobs. now, we travel and we certainly could use the money so i asked some questions. at first, the deal sounded alright- we would be paid for two weeks' training and after that it would be all commission, but if we didn't like it he would buy us a bus ticket home and pay for our hotel rooms, food, etc. i said we'd think about it(he was at first trying to get us to leave on the bus with him right then and there) so he gave us the information to contact his "bosses". we went to a friend's house and further researched the company, neither of us being stupid enough to go with a bunch of strangers purely on their word. my significant other found this blog, and we are SO glad we did not leave with Joe. he says his boss's name is "Fucker" aka Bryan, and also a female named Bridgett, who Joe explained to us was in the middle of a court case suing another company for "stealing representatives" from the company in question. the numbers given to us were 1-877-724-1028, Bridgett, and 816 284 1771 belonging to Bryan.
ReplyDeleteBillings, MT today. They were the "American Freedom Clearinghouse" ones. A typical Caucasian kid with a lot of zombie-related items about 17-18 yrs old talking about earning points for a trip to Rome. I didn't want to give anything, but the guy wrote up a receipt anyway for $40. After saying, "Whoa, hold on a bit!" I grabbed $5 cash to give to him just to get him to leave, as I was afraid he and the others might come back and vandalize my house or something. Unfortunately, he already had my name, address and phone number. The other guys who were on the sidewalk were a bit larger, probably 19-21 yrs of age and central-Asian to Middle Eastern in complexion. I looked for them after looking up the biz online but couldn't locate them. They must be making their way toward the Pacific NW now. The kid wrote up what he referred to as a "bug-off tag", which was really just the perforated short-end of the receipt he was holding. He wrote "Jon's Rocking Keep Knocking 023" on it. I wonder if they have a code system or something. If they come back, I'm definitely getting my $5 back and giving them a free ride courtesy of the BPD.
ReplyDeleteLexington, KY today. "Levi Stenbridge" and a very young looking female associate who was quiet and did not mention her name. "Levi" claimed to be a student, doing a public speaking project for a local school, same as many above "points for this and that". Extremely slick talker! I cut a check, got a receipt and immediately googled the company. I issued a stop payment through my bank, transferred all my founds out of the bank, and I'm going in first thing tomorrow to freeze/close the account. I removed the sticker from my door. I also sent a tip into local law enforcement and the state police giving a description of "Levi" and the events.
ReplyDeleteI'm about to contact my buddy (we are both young, athletic guys) and we're going to maybe see if we can find these white vans to get my check and receipt back. I also have a bat under my bed in case any of them tries to come back, but I doubt that will happen since I didn't let them inside and my house is basically a dump without much worth taking.
I hope the girl gets out OK. If I had known any of this before they came up I would have gotten her name, told her to get away from these people, and given her money.
The group is currently in Allentown and being dropped off in Hershey/Hummelstown and the surrounding area, FYI.
ReplyDeleteI had a black, young male approach me today in Walmart, Taylor, Pennsylvania. He asked me if i would consider myself a nice person, explained how he's doing a project on public speaking and very flirtatious and personal. Noticed the crosses in my ears an asked if i was catholic or christian. Noticed a little pink keychain with my daughters name and asked me about my daughter. Asked me my favorite color, if i was a college student, and what i did for a living. Then pulled out a paper from his back pocket and asked me if i "knew what they are?" it was a list of magazines. He was trying to send them to children in the hospital, st jude, ronald mcdonald, etc. or troops. Asked me to pick four so i picked four after i initially picked three and he asked me to pick another. He advised me they woul be "cheaper than my ex boyfriend" then handed me a slip asking for my name and address. Then turned it around for a signature etc. and im like what is this? What am i doing? He turned it back around and said for $119 CASH or debit i will order these magazines. No way was i ordering anything so i said im not giving out my card #. he said he wasnt allowed to take it, BUT i i went to the atm he would get 500 bonus points to earn a FREE trip to Italy. I declined nd walked away & he disappeared. I knew it wasnt right to solicite inside of walmart and red flag when he asked me to go out of my way to the atm to send sick kids magazines.. SCAM ARTIST!! PROFESSIONAL'S!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my, they just came to my door.....exactly like everyone said above...I feel sick to my stomach.... like others, thinking I am doing a good deed for some young kids who are down and out and trying to do better for themselves...I wrote a check ( I thought it better then giving my credit card or handing cash)...now I am worried, ugh!
ReplyDeleteHi Kirksville, MO is where they are as of 10/22/2012
ReplyDeleteThey are currently in the Tulsa area in Oklahoma. I put a stop payment on my check. They are going by "American Freedom Clearinghouse". Please do not fall for any of the above mentioned nonsense that has been mentioned in the blog. It is sad that I fell for something like this. I should have asked more questions. Let's just see what happens.
ReplyDeleteThis happened to me yesterday! I am a college student and one of these guys knocked on the door saying he was a college student in a competition trying to go to Bermuda. He kept high-fiving me and was talking about how he got points and such. I stupidly let him in and he started talking about his siblings and how he had bought them these books and such, which I now realize he probably only brought up because I had pictures of me with my godson in my apartment. He knew exactly what heartstrings to pull to get me to agree. I felt like I was doing a good deed by donating books to children in hospitals! He asked me how I wanted to pay and I told him check and he said he got more points for cash and tried to convince me to go to the ATM. That should have been a HUGE red flag. Thankfully I wrote a check, which I cancelled this morning. I had an uneasy feeling when he left and about 15 minutes later my friend who lives a few doors down called and asked me about the same guy. He told her he was going to Cancun, not Bermuda. I called the local police and gave a very detailed description of the guy. Hopefully they do not try to write checks or anything, but I know the owner of my bank and the employees personally so they would catch anything unusual with my account. Do not believe these people! I feel so stupid for having believed them, but I really never would have thought this kind of stuff would go on in a small college town!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust got scammed about an hour ago. Here in Cookeville, TN. I normally do not give a dime to door to door sellers. This time around I was feeling nice, I am a server and made a wonderful amount of money in tips last week, so I had cash on me. I gave 56 dollars to the guy. I honestly didn't believe him for a second, as soon as he stepped into my apartment. He practically made himself at home and found a spot to sit. The more I looked him over the more I knew he wasn't a college student, I myself am a hard working student. Such a shame, I have more pity for the people rather than the loss of my money. I only pray that these people could have had a better path in life.
ReplyDeleteOctober we had a young boy named "PJ" at our door, was speaking so fast I wasn't quite sure what he was saying. All I caught was his dad enrolled him in a public speaking course and he had to go door to door and give his speech so he could get points to win a trip. Asked if we would mind filling something out saying he gave his speech. We let him in (my boyfriend is quite intimidating so we had no issue with letting him in) and he started talking about the magazines. He made it sound like we could order them, he would get points and then we could cancel within 3 days and no issue. He talked to us about ourselves and was personable. Left a sticker saying he had been there. Right after he left we took the sticker off and the next morning I filled out my receipt and sent it back. Called the company and let them know not to cash my check. They did, said it must have got there before the receipt (no way). Had me send in a copy of the cleared check to an email. Said I would get a refund. Had to email and call back to find out it would be FOUR to SIX weeks to get a check back- for $112. WTF? So here we are 6 weeks later no money. I called today (816-632-2919 if you have any problems finding the number like I did) and they said that my return address had been unclear. I said no, they are preprinted envelopes from my work. They said oh they didn't send it because they didn't know if I wanted it sent to my home or work because of that envelope. Okay you have my phone number, work number, and email and you couldn't mention this? I had to call after SIX weeks to find this out? SCAM. Told them to mail it to the address immediately and said they would. We will see.
ReplyDeleteJust got scammed in Michigan. I actually knew I was being scammed, but was very intimidated at the time for some reason. So I just went through with it!
ReplyDeletei managed to get my money back. i paid cash then went and found him right when I learned it was a scam. but i wasn't thinking about it and he has both copies of the receipt with my name, phone number, and signature. can they do anything with that??
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just got sucked in by them. She lives out of state and today left with them. I tried to tell her it was a dangerous scam but she would not believe me. I so afraid for her safety!
ReplyDeleteHarassed me at Walmart. I wrote them a check for 36$ and the scumbag altered the check to 136$ and overdrew my account. DO NOT buy from them. Total scam.
ReplyDeleteThey are in DFW 2/6/14.
ReplyDeleteHave had them come by more 2-3 times over the years. This blog is pretty accurate.
The individual person at your door may be a more or less decent kid scammed into this or a criminal. Nothing about this company appears legitimate. Website is a joke
http://www.midwest-circulationllc.com/
You can call your local police. They will run them out of your neighborhood/town. But then they become the next neighborhood/suburb/towns problem.
They are in Weatherford, Texas on 13th Feb 2013. 2 kids - tall fast talking guy and another girl who claimed to have come from Washington. I did not give them anything for the magazines (he already wrote my name down for 2 magazines before I even understood I need to pay for it!), but ended up giving $20 cash when they said they will help underpriveliged kids in the neighbourhood :( Dont know how I could fall for that..WHAT A SCAM.BEWARE
ReplyDeleteThey are in Bristow, Oklahoma now. Please be aware. Police has been called and are looking for them now!
ReplyDeleteReally sad stuff going on here. 18-22 year old guy, same story. Definitely seemed troubled, unstable. He became confrontational when I refused to give money after initially agreeing to a subscription told him to wait 10 minutes while I did research. I called police. My wife and I are now a little afraid, don't want to know what he or his are capable of.
ReplyDeleteThey had me do the same shit and then when I wanted to go home they would not buy me a bus ticket what so ever and they left me stranded.
ReplyDeleteTwo people who looked to be teenagers came to my door fast talking about points and trips and children and vets... i didn't know what was what... but since my war veteran neighbor had just donated to them i figured it was safe. They were asking a minimum of $56.00 "donation" for books and magazines to go to children's hospitals and veterans. I make only $100 per week and offered my sincere apologies but could not afford that. He then said that there was an order which needed $28 to complete for children's books to be sent to a hospital. That i could scrape together so i wrote a check. After getting my information (address, phone< etc..) He then asked "Are you 420 friendly!?" I was shocked and asked why in the world he would ask me that!? he proceed to tell me he asked certain younger people that in hopes that they would "donate buds" to him.... i asked for my check back and they promptly left. I then looked up online what Midwest circulation LLC was and was flooded with complaint forums and news pieces headed BEWARE!!!! it cost me $30.00 to stop payment on that $28.00 check i wrote but better than it going into the hands of such arrogant thieves! please do not make the same mistake as i did. Good luck
ReplyDeleteThey were in Carlisle Pennsylvania today using a different name, but same script. Stupidly, I mentioned having cancer, I hope they don't think I've got good meds or something (I wish I did, but my oncologist is an anti-opioid zealot). Of well, if they try to break in, they'll be the coroners problem.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that I didn't give them anything (I don't know where my checkbook is- I don't use it, didn't have any cash, and no atm card- I use credit for everything). I didn't want to buy, but I probably would have if thy they took visa, just to get him to leave.
I almost called the police while he was here because I got a bad feeling near the end of the encounter, but didn't. I feel terrible since reading that many of the kids are kidnapped.
They're in the northwest ct area now, got taken for $60 cash. I hope the kid pocketed it and buys a ticket home! I really think the kid thought he was gonna win something and believes his company is legit :(
ReplyDeleteThey were here in Wichita Falls/Burkburnett Texas 10/1/2014. The guy said he was a former marine and was injured. His fiancé is deployed and he wanted to get points for his trip. We stupidly let him into our apartment which he then saw all that we owned. We ended up writing him a check for $56 which hasn't posted yet, and we are trying to stop check it. We'll keep an eye on our account. But if it does go through, we will do a dispute. The bank did say though that supposedly with our routing and acct # they can't do anything. Don't really believe that. But we will see. Just worried that this dude will come back and try to break into our place. Has anyone actually received their magazines?
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DeleteYour bank is wrong, they can use the information on your check to implement ACH payments. Think about any bill you can pay on line, your cell phone bill, your electric bill,your cable bill, etc. They all give you the option to pay via your checking account information. They even give a helpful tutorial pointing out where your bank's routing number and your account number are at on the check.
DeleteAll someone has to do is get a hold of your check with your information on it and plug in the numbers. They can use those numbers to do an ACH charge against your account. Of course you can dispute the charges but it takes days and by the time the fraud is found, the money is gone.
I "ordered" mine in February....was supposed to get shipment in September. Haven't gotten anything out of this but a lesson in life!
ReplyDeleteThey are in TN now!!!!!! Please report them my sister is leaving tomorrow morning and I'm so afraid!!! Please please report REPORT
ReplyDeleteLooks like they are doing their thing in Mont Belvieu, TX! Chambers County Sheriffs Department is on to their scams.... All I can say is they've found the wrong small town to mess with!
ReplyDelete