State warns of door-to-door sales scam

The state attorney general’s office is warning Hawaii residents of door-to-door salespeople selling books, magazines and DVDs purportedly to benefit a children’s hospital.

Seattle Children’s Hospital notified the attorney general’s office that the campaign by Dynasty Sales LLC might be operating in Hawaii. It is not a registered charitable organization, and proceeds of sales will not help any children’s hospital, as its salespeople claim, the attorney general’s office said.

Dynasty Sales, based in Phoenix, sends teams of 20 to 30 young adults state to state, selling magazines, books and DVDs.

The King County Superior Court issued a restraining order on the company in 2001 on behalf of the Seattle Children’s Hospital after the Dynasty salesmen claimed the proceeds would help sick kids at the hospital.

Dynasty is neither a charitable organization nor a professional solicitor under Hawaii law, the state attorney general’s office said.

Arizona Better Business Bureau offices give Dynasty Sales an F rating based on 57 complaints filed against it and the length of time the business has taken to resolve complaints. Two complaints remain unresolved.

The Better Business Bureau in Hawaii reported a business called Pacific Coast Cleaning Services is selling magazines door to door on Maui, saying proceeds will benefit a local hospital.

The following are BBB tips for door-to-door sales campaigns:

» Listen carefully and be aware of high-pressure sales tactics.

» Don’t invite unsolicited salespeople into your home.

» Verify the person and the company. Get everything in writing. Look up the company. Call to make sure the person works there.

» Know your rights. Customers have three days to cancel purchases more than $25 made at a home or a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business.