The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has recently fielded a number of complaints from Bluffton residents regarding alleged door-to-door magazine subscription solicitations.

Between October 29th and October 31st, Sheriff's deputies responded to various Bluffton neighborhoods in reference to a group of young persons claiming to be selling magazine subscriptions. The group, made up of 5 to 10 men and women estimated to be between the ages of 17 and 21 have purported to be raising money for a variety of different causes.

The salespersons have claimed to be sponsored by various local schools/colleges such as Bluffton High School and the University of South Carolina-Beaufort. Some attempt to sell magazine subscriptions, while others claim to be selling children's books - all to raise money for causes such as scholarships, study-abroad programs, and school trips.

The Sheriff's Office recommends exercising caution if approached by subjects soliciting door-to-door. Several complainants reporting to have placed orders with this group contacted the school/organization the salesperson claimed to be representing, only to find out that no such sales campaign had been authorized.

To date, the Sheriff's Office has received complaints of this group soliciting in the following neighborhoods:

The Bluffton Police Department has also responded to complaints of the same activity in a number of neighborhoods within the town's jurisdiction. Anyone who believes that they may have been solicited by an illegitimate individual/group is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

To better protect against becoming a victim of a possible scam, it is recommended that you research and/or follow up on any group soliciting sales or donations BEFORE contributing funds. You may do this by: contacting the organization the salesperson states they represent, researching and/or contacting the company providing the goods being sold, and asking to see a business license and identification from the salesperson.