Integrity Program Door to Door Books for Children's Hospital's SCAM ripoff Phoenix Arizona

A man that was in his twenties (I would guess), came to my door (April 30,2007)claiming he knew or was related to my neighbor (which I barely know, but have met a few times). He claimed to be raising money for an internship with the BBC in London with his journalism class. He claimed to be raising money to fund the airfare and related expenses for travel.

He then pulled out a small brochure showing various children's books, which he claimed would be going to a local children's hospital. He also stated that I didn't need to pick out a book because the children would be able to choose which ones they wanted.

I had my 9 month old daughter in arms, and he complimented and asked questions regarding her, distracting me from the matter at hand. He then asked if he could come in a use a corner of my table to write on. I asked him what school he was going to, and how much money he had to raise. He claimed U of A, and that he needed to raise 5,000, and that this parents agreed to pay the other half. and that with my purchase of $54 dollars, he had accomplished his goal.

I reluctantly wrote him a check, after he played a rap ring tone, from his cell phone for my 9 month old daughter (which was a bit inappropriate, but I dismissed it because of his age). He told me to make the check to "Integrity Program," but did not give me a copy of the receipt. He simply told me to write the receipt number on the check and keep the number if there should be any problems, which he assured me there wouldn't.

He also said that I could go through my bank to contact the company since he didn't have the company's phone number or details with him. He claimed that they only use the company to process the transactions, and they distribute the books....and he didn't have direct contact with him, he would simply turn the receipts to his teacher and his teacher took care of the rest.

I dismissed it, and he insisted that I grade him on his courtesy, eye contact, and his presentation. He also asked me to put a comment under the grade. I gave him good marks.

I was about to say farewell and led him to the door, but he almost grabbed the garage door and I said, "well I have a great dane out there...he'll get you dirty." The young man excitedly said he wanted to see my dog. I told him to step out side my security door because my dog was really dirty, and the man had a long white shirt on. He did, so I let my dog into the house. My great dane stood at the door, growling, and getting into an attack position, guarding me and my daughter with himself between us, the door frame, and the young man.

The man opened the screen door, thinking he was playing, and my dog did not back down. I simply closed the door and praised my dog for being protective. (My dog loves EVERYONE) I just thought my dog's strange behavior was because the man wasn't already in my house. (this was after he'd already come in, and dooped me)

Well, tonight (May 2,2007) I saw on the news about this scam happening in other places in the valley (Phoenix) and the "salespeople" using a local college name, as well as "Integrity Program." I thought for a second, then jumped up and checked the carbon copy in my checkbook and sure enough, they got me, too.

Luckily, the check had not cleared, and I quickly called my bank and had the check cancelled. My husband scolded me for being foolish and trusting some random person, and furthermore allowing them into my house. If someone like that will lie to you, there's question whether they might harm you if you questioned things. Now I realize, you can't trust people, anyone: even if you think your are contributing to a good cause.

Oh, and by the way. The young man was wearing a gold watch, had tattoos on his forearm (I can't recall which arm, or what they were), and was thin framed, about 5'8, blonde, blue eyes, with a white untucked 3 button polo type shirt with a brand name emblem, tan long shorts, and sneakers. I'm pretty sure he had at least one ear pierced.

Don't be fooled by ANY door to door sales people, ask for a permit, name, and contact details. Also, these people can hit you up anywhere! If you suspect it, or know of it going on in your neighborhood, call the police! Don't be gullible, like I was!

I checked the website for integrity program and emailed them. They comment in small writing that they do not have affiliations with schools or charity programs, all their sales person's are independent contractors. The site also posts pictures of many of their "team members." There is no phone number listing.

Erica
Litchfield Park, Arizona
U.S.A.