Ring targeting metro Detroiters in magazine subscription scam

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) - Investigators say at least three people have been going door-to-door across metro Detroit selling bogus magazine subscriptions.

The suspects are targeting neighborhoods from Macomb County to Van Buren Township in Wayne County. Detectives say they are smooth talkers who make their way into people’s homes.

"They build a rapport with them," said Detective Tony Maisano of the Clinton Township Police Department. "They know how to talk to people and to get what they want."

In each case, the scammers say they are raising money for wounded soldiers by selling magazines, and the suspects say proceeds also help out school athletic teams.

One girl, believed to be in her late teens, has said she is a pitcher with the varsity softball team at Fraser High School. But unfortunately for her, Paul Fisette had just received an email from the Fraser School District warning people about the scam when she knocked on his door in Clinton Township.

"Couldn't have been more perfect timing," Fisette said. "Told her this is a scam," said Fisette.

Fisette snapped a photo of the young woman, who then walked off with no idea that her picture had been taken, and police say so far they have found about a half-dozen victims but they estimate there could be hundreds. In each case, victims are told to make their checks to United Circulation or UC.

Police hope the photo will lead investigators to break up the ring. Maisano says Fisette will receive an award from the police department for his quick thinking.

"It's a bogus corporation," said Det. Maisano.

Police say so far they know of three suspects, two girls and a boy, who have gotten away with hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Investigators are hoping more victims come forward.

If you have been a victim, or you recognize the young woman in the photo, call Detective Maisano at 586-493-7840.