The Takoma Park Police Department shared the following information on Sunday, “We have learned about a concerning scam that has recently come to our attention in Takoma Park. The Takoma Park Police Department has received a report that individuals are going door-to-door in our community, falsely soliciting magazine sales for a business called Optimum Reading Services.”
According to Takoma Park Police, “Optimum Reading Services claims to be a charity organization, purporting to donate magazines and books to various charitable causes, including Boys & Girls Clubs, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, children’s hospitals, and other charitable institutions. However, after researching the purported business, it has become evident that these magazine sales are a scam and have been occurring in other cities/states. Here are some key points to be aware of:
- Fraudulent Business: Optimum Reading Services is not a legitimate charity. They are engaging in deceptive practices by falsely claiming to support charitable causes through magazine sales.
- Lack of Accreditation: The business is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, indicating a lack of credibility and trustworthiness.
- History of Complaints: Over the past few years, Optimum Reading Services has amassed 37 complaints for their fraudulent activities.
We urge all residents to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing magazines or making any donations to individuals representing Optimum Reading Services. If you encounter anyone soliciting magazine sales under this guise, please do not hesitate to report it to us immediately at 301-270-1100. If you are a victim of this scam, we strongly encourage you to:
- Contact us at the Takoma Park Police Department to file a formal report.
- Consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to add to their records.
- Reach out to the local Attorney General’s Office for further assistance.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission to help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.”