Summer is the peak time of year for door to door sales. While some solicitors are authorized and legitimate, many are not. The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff encourages all residents and businesses to take some basic precautions when dealing with unknown solicitors. This may include sales of products, services or people looking for “free” money donations.

Recommendations When someone knocks at your door, don’t open it unless you know your visitor. View the person through a door viewer or window. Ask who they are and what they want. If the person is a sales representative, ask to see identification and their solicitors permit. A legitimate solicitor will have a Queen Anne’s County Hucksters and Peddlers permit. (Exempt is kids for local schools) (See local county ordinance CHAPTER 16. HUCKSTERS AND PEDDLERS). Have the person slip their credentials through the mail slot or view them through the window or door viewer. If you choose to conduct business with a legitimate sales representative, limit the amount of personal information you provide. Never provide a social security or bank debit card number.

If the solicitor does not have a permit or refuses to provide identification, do not open the door and advise them you are not interested in their sales presentation. If you have concerns or questions on the legitimacy of a permit, contact the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff to verify the identity of the individual and the organization they purport to represent. If the solicitor becomes belligerent, tell him/her to leave your property and call the police. Call the non-emergency line at 410-758-0770 for permit inquires and general questions.

Call 911 immediately to report suspicious person(s) and activities. This includes a solicitor who refuses to leave your property or has become hostile or threatening.