Residents Warned of ‘Care Package’ Scam

Earlier this week, Sheriff’s deputies cited a door-to-door solicitor in the Vandenberg Village area who, claiming to be selling care packages for overseas military personnel, didn’t have the license to make sales in Santa Barbara County.

Upon citing the Ventura resident, deputies discovered he belonged to a group of about 15 people who claimed to be working for the nonprofit “Care Package Campaign.” Members said they’d been sent to the Santa Ynez Valley area to collect donations. However, the deputies’ investigation revealed that “Care Package Campaign” is actually a for-profit sales group, which “pays solicitors 25 percent of the money earned based on donations,” according to a Sheriff’s Office statement.

Deputies also advise residents to be skeptical of those door-to-door solicitors selling magazine subscriptions for a “contest or charity,” especially those asking to enter the home to use the restroom, telephone, or to get a drink of water. As always, the easiest way to protect yourself from door-to-door fraud during the holidays is to choose not to answer the door.