Some San Diego County consumers say they were left feeling misled after signing contracts during in-home sales presentations.
While the complaints involved different products and services, they shared several common factors. Each consumer was a senior citizen, the salesperson visited their home, the contract was signed on a digital device, and the consumer said they never received a copy of the agreement at the time of the sale.
Most sales are completed without any problems. However, after receiving several similar complaints, NBC 7 Responds reviewed the situations to help consumers protect themselves and their older loved ones.
One warning sign to watch for is language suggesting you have been “selected” to receive a product or service or that you must answer questions to see whether you “qualify.”
Two consumers who contacted NBC 7 Responds said that wording led them to believe they were enrolling in a program sponsored by their local government. They later realized they had signed a commercial contract agreeing to pay thousands of dollars.
Another concern involved how the contracts were presented.
In each complaint, consumers said they were not given a paper copy of the contract. Instead, they were handed a phone or tablet and directed where to sign or initial. They said the screens were difficult to read and they did not have enough time to review the entire agreement.
In two cases, consumers said their email addresses were entered incorrectly, preventing them from receiving a digital copy of the contract in time to cancel.
Here are some tips to consider before signing any agreement during an in-home sales visit:
Do not sign anything until you have had enough time to read it.
Ask the salesperson to leave a paper copy or email you the paperwork so you can review it before making a decision.
Do not feel pressured by claims that the price is only available that day. Reputable companies should be willing to return if you need more time.
Door-to-door sales rules
There are local laws that people selling goods and services door-to-door must follow.
In most cases, non-profit and religious organizations do not have to apply for permits or pay fees to go door-to-door. And in many cases, students selling items for school fundraisers are exempt as well.
Click on the links below to read the full municipal code for your city.
Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (9:00 pm during daylight saving)
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Solicitors are required to obtain a business license, as well as register with the Chief of Police and obtain an ID card
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Solicitors are required to register with the San Diego Police Department and obtain an ID card which must be displayed “on the front of their person”
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least ½ inch in height.)
Solicitors must immediately and peacefully leave when requested to do so
Allowed between 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Solicitors must obtain a permit from the city
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Solicitors are required to show you a photo ID card if you ask, and a current letter issued and signed by the City of Del Mar
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Solicitors are required to be licensed by the city
Solicitors must obtain a permit from the city
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height.)
Allowed between 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Solicitors must obtain a Business License permit from the city
Solicitors must obtain a license from the city, and carry the ID card issued to them
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Solicitors must obtain a license from the city
Allowed between 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Solicitors must obtain a permit and ID card from the city
Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen
Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height.)
Solicitors must carry:
A copy of a current business tax license
A letter of identification from the employer authorizing the solicitor to represent the employer
A photo ID
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Must leave immediately if requested to do so
Solicitors must obtain a license and ID card from the city
Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Solicitors must obtain a permit and ID card from the city
Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen
Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height.)
Solicitors must obtain a permit and ID card from the city
Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen
Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height.)
Solicitors must obtain a business license and permit from the city
Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen
Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Solicitors must obtain a business license and ID card from the city
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
Unincorporated San Diego County
Solicitors must obtain a license and ID card from the county
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted. (Letters on the sign must be at least ½ inch in height.)
Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Must leave immediately if requested to do so
Solicitors must obtain a license and ID card from the city
Must wear ID card in a way it can easily be seen
Allowed between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Not allowed if a sign such as “no solicitors” is posted
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.