Purdue police: Sales solicitations not allowed on campus
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - After hearing of magazine solicitors visiting locations in West Lafayette, Purdue University police are alerting students that soliciting of any kind is not allowed on campus.
Magazine and perfume sales are particularly popular around college campuses, said Purdue police Lt. Fred Davis.
"Some solicitors are legitimate, but there are scams out there," Davis said. "Sometimes it's hard to tell what is legitimate and what's not, but we make it easy on campus. It's just not allowed."
Davis said anyone approached by a solicitor should be careful, and he offers this advice:
* If a solicitor asks you to go to an automated teller machine and stands with you as you withdraw money, that should be a red flag. Your PIN number can be stolen. In all ATM transactions, you should cover the keypad with your hand.
* Do not give out any personal information, such as your bank account, Social Security or credit card numbers.
* It's always a good idea to check out a company that you're not familiar with at the Indiana Better Business Bureau website (https://www.indianapolis.bbb.org/). You can find information on any complaints that may have been made about the company.
* Avoid high-pressure sales and decline any offer or deal that is only available if you act immediately.
Anyone encountering solicitors on campus is asked to immediately contact the Purdue Police Department at 765-494-8221.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu