Citizens in Fort Dodge and surrounding towns should be on the watch for door-to-door solicitors, according to officials with the Fort Dodge Police Department.
The department has received 12 complaints since Saturday about "very persuasive and aggressive solicitors" and has arrested four individuals in connection with sales operations, which offer magazine subscriptions that claim to donate a portion of the proceeds to U.S. military troops or other charities, said Patrol Officer Jason Kahler.
The four, all young adults, were charged with "failure to have a license," required under City of Fort Dodge municipal ordinance, a simple misdemeanor. Officials would not release the names of the people charged as of Sunday night.
"Door-to-door salespersons and solicitors are required by municipal ordinance to have a permit," said Lt. David Beshey, of the Fort Dodge Police Department.
Officials did say, however, that all four arrested were from out of state, and one had been arrested previously in Wisconsin for unlawful solicitation.
If encountered by a door-to-door salesperson, officials advise citizens to ask for a permit, and if they do not have a permit to solicit to contact the Fort Dodge Police Department.
Officials also advise people not to give out any personal information.
"We just want the public to be aware," said Kahler.
Officers believe the individuals are working for possibly a number of different companies that offer solicitors points or prizes for selling subscriptions. Officials declined to name the companies.
Officials also believe there may be another wave of solicitors lasting for the next couple of weeks, as many of the companies may possibly be interconnected, said Kahler.
"If we're arresting four, there's a lot more," he said.
Contact Ian Schmit at (515) 573-2141 or ischmit@messengernews.net