Information and Tips – Knock Knock – Who’s there – Solicitors…

Hello Everyone,

As mentioned in the previous e-mails, we see upticks in certain complaints /calls with the change of seasons. One of these issues is door to door solicitation.

All door to door solicitors or peddlers are required to be licensed by the County.

Note – the rules/prohibitions are clearly printed on the license:

1.      They must have the above license in their possession at all times when soliciting/peddling

2.      The must show you the license upon being asked

3.      Cannot peddle/solicit before 9am or after 8pm

4.      Cannot peddle/solicit on properties where signs are posted prohibiting such activity

5.      Cannot peddle/solicit from state highway right of way

6.      Cannot violate provisions of the VA Consumer Protection Act (VA Code 59.1-196 – 59.1-200) or Home Solicitation Sales Act (VA Code 59.1-21.1 – 59.1-21.7a)

You can use the Virginia State Code online, to look up the above mentioned code sections (Line 6) – http://leg1.state.va.us/000/src.htm

The Fairfax County Solicitor’s License is a laminated card that displays the solicitor’s photograph, name, and personal information on the front side. The back side of the license displays the solicitor’s business information and thumbprints. It is valid for one year from date of issue.

 For more information about solicitor regulations please contact the Office of Cable and Consumer Services Regulations and Licensing Branch at 703-324-5966 or e-mail DCCS-RALB@fairfaxcounty.gov .

Violations of Solicitor Regulations

Regulation and Licensing Branch, along with FCPD, has received numerous recent complaints about salesmen who are soliciting without a license (as required by Chapter 31) and who are using aggressive and deceptive sales tactics with consumers in the Mount Vernon, Mclean, Sully, and West Springfield districts. Consumers have reported that the salesmen bang incessantly on their door; try to push their way into their homes; use abusive language when they are refused entry into their home; and, if allowed in the home, use aggressive, high-pressure sales tactics to push the consumer into making a high-dollar purchases.

A solicitor license is required of each individual who goes door-to-door marketing goods and services. Solicitors are required by law to show their license to any prospective customer who requests it. They are also required to leave the premises when asked, may not solicit where “No Peddlers or Solicitors” signs are posted, and may only operate between the hours of 9:00 am and 8:00 pm.

Often solicitors will show customers an ID badge or some other document, claiming that they are licensed by Fairfax County when they are not. Legitimately licensed solicitors should always show their Fairfax County-issued license when a prospective customer asks for it.

The Solicitor’s License is an individual license, not a business license. If a solicitor tells you that his or her business has a license, the solicitor may not be properly licensed to solicit in Fairfax County.

If you believe there is a unlicensed solicitor in your community, please call the non-emergency police number – 703-691-2131 – make sure to give as detailed description as you can of the person(s) and any vehicles involved, as well as their last known location/direction of travel. 

OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET CLEANOUT – THIS WEEK ONLY!

 During the week on May 27 – June 1, 2013 citizen can bring expired or unused medicine to the Mount Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane Alexandria Va 22306) for disposal.

Pills and Liquids only – NO pressurized canisters or needles

 Disposal is FREE, convenient and safe.

Resource – here is a link to the County webpage about the proper disposal of medications year round – “Don’t Flush”

Can’t make it to Mount Vernon….here are other participating locations:

Be Safe,

Greg

MPO Greg Kottemann

Fairfax County Police Department

Mount Vernon District Station

Crime Prevention Unit

703-360-8928

gkotte@fairfaxcounty.gov