PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT/ALERT: Fraudulent Door-to-Door Book and Magazine Solicitors Pose as Benefiting Domestic Violence Agencies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2016
CONTACT: Melissa Erlbaum, Phone:  (503) 557-5810

A man, posing as a door-to-door magazine salesman, is using Clackamas Women’s Services fraudulently to deceive local residents into giving him money, sometimes hundreds of dollars. CWS received a report from a resident of Clackamas County that a young Caucasian man had come to her door twice this week, selling magazines through a company called PS Circulation, LLC, saying that the proceeds benefit Clackamas Women’s Services.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened in the Portland Metro Area. Last month, the Domestic Violence Resource Center in Washington County reported a similar fraud by a different man, using a different company name.

CWS does not engage in door-to-door sales or fundraising solicitation. Clackamas Women’s Services is NOT the beneficiary of any donation of this kind and has no connection to this individual. CWS advises all residents of Clackamas County to call the police if anyone who approaches your residence in this way, claiming to be associated with CWS. If you have written a check after being approached by this person, please contact your financial institution.

CWS continues its normal fundraising activities through the preferred methods of its donors. Every dollar given to CWS supports the women and children escaping violence who turn to us for help. We condemn this act of fraud and urge everyone to please refrain from giving money to these individuals. It will not support the cause that you care about.

Clackamas Women’s Services was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for women and children escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’s service delivery framework is built on trauma-informed best practices that promote self-determination. Participants in our programs receive no-cost services by highly-trained staff with advanced expertise. The 24-hour crisis line is 1-888-654-2288.

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