I live in an older Farragut subdivision comprised of many retired people with big hearts so I was deeply concerned yesterday after I was approached by a "thirty something" African American lady who asked me to "vote" for her. She told me that she had been homeless in Atlanta and was trying to better herself while helping others. Basically she wanted me to write her a $35 check for a children's periodical subscription that would then be donated to a burn victims unit. She told me $35 was her least expensive subscription. When I asked how I could verify that the magazine had been delivered she became agitated and stated that she had no reason to be untruthful. When I then asked to see if she had a permit she told me TN doesn't require them and then quickly flashed what she claimed to be a license from Arkansas and a few other "documents" that she claimed were issued to her by other agencies and states. I asked to see one of her order forms and noticed that the publishing house doesn't recognize her as a representative. In fact the form has a diclaimer that states that she is basically self-employed. Also there are no subscription prices listed on the order sheet. She told me that my neighbors had been "kind" enough to buy a subscription and showed me a check. The check was for $28. I said "I thought you stated that your cheapest subscription was $35?" She hesitated for a second and then told me that they paid $7 in cash. After that I told her that I was uncomfortably donating money without knowing where it was going and sent her away. Please warn the viewers not to let these people into their homes or buy from them. Most people never receive the magazines they order and if they do they have often paid 300% more than they should have. The internet is riddled with stories of this type of scam and the violent crimes that are often perpetrated by these "salespeople" on unsuspecting citizens. These outfits usually work in teams so chances are that several other people in Knoxville will encounter them. This lady was very persuasive and knew her sales pitch inside and out. She has probably fooled many kind hearts already. -Brian Johnson