[Community] Curb Painters in the Churchill Area Neighborhood

[Alan]

Recently flyers have been taped to doors in several neighborhoods in the
Churchill Area regarding painted curb numbers.

Typically, these notes include a suggested "donation" and and request
that you tape the flyer to your curb in order to opt out.

The most recent ones are from "Community Sign Painting".

These groups are not related to the City of Eugene, Public Works, the 
Fire or Police Departments.
They may use high-pressure tactics to obtain the "donation". In some
cases where a check was used for payment, the account number was
subsequently used fraudulently.

Please note that not all curb painters operate in this fashion. Curb
painting is a popular way for students and groups to earn money.
However, a legitimate painter will establish a price or donation prior
to performing the work.
The curb painting scammer, on the other hand, performs the work and then
attempts to coerce you into a payment.

Caution is advised when dealing with any door to door solicitation.

Reputable businesses and non-profit organizations will have a verifiable
point of contact and paperwork to substantiate what they are selling.
They will not act aggressively or attempt to make you feel guilty for
refusing to pay, not will they ask for Social Security or bank account
numbers.

Summertime is high season for these types of activities, following this 
advice from the Eugene Police will help you weed out scams from 
legitimate activities:

Tips to Prevent Falling Prey to Scam Artists
*	You have a right to say 'no,' and have the person leave if you don't 
wish to participate.
*	If you are interested in giving, get more information and make your 
own contact. For instance, if it is for a charity activity, the person 
approaching you should supply you with the name of the charity and the 
name of the program for which they are raising funds. Then, you can 
contact the charity during working hours to find out if the program is 
legitimate. The charity can arrange further participation if you are 
willing to give.
*	Beware of high pressure techniques, such as the need to give on the spot.
*	Don't pay up front. Most legitimate organizations or businesses, 
including magazine sales, will only ask you to pay upon receipt of the 
items ordered.
*	If you have already paid up front for an item and feel concerned about 
it, monitor your bank account closely for any suspicious activity and 
contact police if they see anything
*	The person knocking on your door should be willing to have you contact 
other sources to verify the program's legitimacy.
*	Do not invite a stranger inside your home. Conduct all business in a 
safe place, in view of passersby and neighbors.
*	There should be legitimate forms, paperwork and receipts provided.

thanks,
-Alan Buck
Churchill Area Neighbors