Solicitor alerts: One at the door, one on the phone

Two notes we’ve received this afternoon that might be of interest – read on:

From Elana:

A caucasian male, early thirties, blonde hair, blue-eyes, 5’10 came to the door at 4:30PM today. He was soliciting for donations to the deaf. No license, and no raincoat or vehicle…but walking out in the rain. I live in the 4000 block of 38th. [map]

And from Mary, who is wondering whether this might be a legitimate pitch, clumsily made – please advise if it rings a bell:

For whatever this “news” may or not be worth:

I just received a suspicious phone call from a private number from a fellow from “Emergency Rescue Services. The caller, male, said they were in dire need of donations and offering to send someone to come pick them up. We are extremely budget challenged just now and said so, hanging up before it occurred to me how unusual it is to offer to come get a donation. The more I thought about it, the more I’m unfamiliar with any organization with that specific name – the closest I get is the Downtown Emergency Services Center , and I really can’t imagine them offering to come get their donations.

Has anyone else reported any suspicious calls? I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of being asked to give out my address to give money on a solicitation. .If I am wrong and this is a charitable organization then perhaps the organization could use some help getting the word out?

nd January 27, 2009 (7:04 pm)

Yes, I had the deaf guy come by a few weeks ago. He’s come by before. He doesn’t seem suspicious, just a little desperate. Through the window, I could see he had a little card with sign language on it that he sells. I don’t know sign language, but I think he definitely understood my attempt at “NOT INTERESTED.”

randy January 27, 2009 (7:09 pm)

this past sunday afternoon, a couple of jehovas witnesses were banging on apartment doors -hill st/calif ave, relentless banging. ” excuse me, i’m trying to find a neighbor of yours” is their line to get you to open your door. they were armed with pamplets in many languages. they dont go away, even if you say “NO!”.

dot January 27, 2009 (8:23 pm)

If there were true Jehovas Witnesses I would report them to their church. Usually they leave a pamplet and go to the next house.

ellenater January 27, 2009 (9:07 pm)

The deaf guy has been here twice. Gatewood.

Kevin January 27, 2009 (10:58 pm)

Regarding the Jehovah’s Witnesses – I have been told that one good trick is to tell them that you (or perhaps mention a relative) have been disfellowshipped. The article I read said that will usually cause them to turn and run.

Dave January 28, 2009 (7:49 am)

As to the Witnesses, my uncle use to answer the door naked. A little extreme but they never came back!

lol January 28, 2009 (8:08 am)

i just tell them i appreciate your views- but i have been a witch for 28 years and satan is my savior

bonnie January 28, 2009 (10:58 am)

Dear lol…there’s a HUGH difference between being a witch and a Satanist!!! I told the church lady I’m a witch and that just motivated her more to try to save me from fire and brimstone!!! Now I just let my pitbull answer the front window! Works everytime!