CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is reminding consumers to beware of scammers posing as door-to-door salesmen attempting to sell cleaning products.

Morrisey's office recently has received complaints regarding salesmen in Monongalia County going to local residents’ homes to sell “Old Fashion Cleaning” products. These salesmen carried a suitcase with products, but they had no name tags or information identifying them or the company they represent.

The door-to-door salesmen used high-pressure sales tactics and were persistent about entering the residents’ homes.

“Our office was made aware of this potential scam in Monongalia County, but this type of scam can happen anywhere in West Virginia,” Morrisey said in a statement. “Consumers should get information about the salesperson and the company or product and do their homework before purchasing any product on their doorstep.”

The AG's office offered these tips when dealing with a door-to-door salesman:

• Take down information about the seller and the company they represent.


• Contact the company directly to verify both the legitimacy of the salesman and the products.


• Verify the company’s details by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Better Business Bureau, or Secretary of State’s Office.


• Never pay cash up front, and do not make a payment until the product is delivered.


• Do not allow the seller into your home.

“I urge consumers to remain cautious and not to fall for high-pressure, convincing sales pitches used by these door-to-door salesmen,” Morrisey said. “Remember, if the deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.”