Police issue reminder on door-to-door sales

Police on Wednesday issued a reminder to ask questions of door-to-door sellers after receiving several calls from concerned residents.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said each business representative that will be in the city limits is required by city ordinance to become licensed. A criminal background check is done before the application is approved by the mayor, city clerk and police.

Everyone going door-to-door is required to carry the issued permit, which contains a city of Cedar Rapids embossed seal.

Recent callers have mentioned door-to-door sales of house siding, home alarms and fundraising for mission work and a child abuse hotline.

Hamblin said residents should ask questions about the name of the business and where it is located. Only write checks to businesses, not individuals. To verify there is a permit for a specific business, call the Cedar Rapids city clerk at (319) 286-5060. To report a possible scam, call police at (319) 286-5491.