Marquis Fulfillment Agency Powerhouse Marketing Magazine Scam, Buford, Georgia

A very nice young man showed up at my front door this evening. I didn't open the door at first, but as he explained that he was a college student selling magazines, I opened the door. My neighbors walked by several times, so I wasn't worried about him possibly being a murderer and killing me infront of them. He told me his name was Chris Bardon and he was a college student who couldn't afford to take a trip overseas to do an internship with the BBC. He asked if I knew what that was...I explained that I was a former television reporter and anchor, so yes. He said I could buy a magazine subscription that normally would cost $100+ but he had a deal of $38.00 for a three year subscription. By getting the subscription, he would earn points that would help him pay for the trip. He showed me different magazines to choose from and pointed out those that were not included in the "deal" anymore. I also had the option to donate the subscription to a hospital or the military. He added that his dad was in the military. I explained that I'm saving money right now so I can't help him. He begged, explained that he really was looking forward to this and that the money wouldn't come out of my account for another month. He also said I could cancel the subscription within three days, but he'd only get half the points for his trip. He said he'd do chores, etc around my apartment if I'd help him. I kept stalling, so we talked about his plans to work in radio (he says he didn't have a face for tv), my career, and that he may end up working in speech pathology. After talking to him for 15 minutes, I agreed. I felt his pain. I used to work in tv...I'm in sales now...I wanted to help this guy achieve his goals and get at least half the points for his trip...though I planned to cancel the subscription as soon as he left. He pulled out a receipt book and asked if he could come inside my apartment and sit down as he wrote the receipt. I told him no...that he may be a murderer. He understood and sat on the steps beside my apartment door. He asked for cash or check, told me what people on the floors above and below me bought, and how they paid. I wrote a check for $51 (with tax, the $38 shot up to $51). He told me (for my protection) to write his name and the account number in the memo section of the check and I wrote it out to MFA (Marquis Fulfillment Agency). I told him good luck, gave him a bottle of water to drink, and I went back into my apartment. I called the number on the receipt...the voicemail did not say MFA and did not seem professional. I jumped on the internet and searched for Marquis Fulfillment Agency and found this website. I was furious! I NEVER help salespeople (even though I am one) and when I do, it's a scam! I immediately called Bank of America. They canceled my check and waived the $30 fee (thank god). I warned some of my neighbors and tomorrow I'm letting the apartment complex know. As a reporter, I covered stories on people who were scammed. I thought I'd be smart enough to not be tricked...but Chris Bardon and MFA got me.