The Pullman Police Department advises residents to ask solicitors for permits and to not allow salespeople into their homes.

Police Detective Sergeant Dan Hargraves said the solicitors should have an Itinerant Vendors Permit to conduct door-to-door sales. The permit costs $15 and gives the department contact information if questions arise about the legitimacy of a business. Door-to-door solicitors as well as road-side businesses, such as a taco stand, must obtain a permit, Hargraves said.

The police department has received reports of door-to-door magazine salespeople claiming to be from Blue Diamond Subscription Services, according to a police press release.

Hargraves said the department does not have any record of Blue Diamond Subscription Services purchasing a permit.

On March 31, two college-age males reportedly contacted a resident on Spring Street claiming to be working on a communications project, according to the press release. The suspects told the victim they were interviewing influential people and managed to enter the residence. The two men asked for a donation that would help them win a trip to Barcelona and help their project.

The suspects also tried to have the woman purchase a $2,800 television at the Moscow Wal-Mart and to cash a check at the Pullman Wal-Mart. Both checks were refused by Wal-Mart, according to the press release.

The department has received other reports from the end of March and beginning of April regarding door-to-door magazine subscription salespeople claiming to be from Blue Diamond Subscription Services.

Hargraves said the department recommends that residents do not let solicitors into their homes. Doing so allows the solicitors, fraudulent or otherwise, to take note of what is in the house. He said it is never a good idea for residents to let a stranger into their home.

Residents should ask the solicitors to see an Itinerant Vendor Permit. If the salesperson is unable to provide one, Hargraves said residents should report the incident to the police department. He said if a business is legitimate there is no reason why the owners should not go through the proper channels and obtain a permit.

According the Blue Diamond Subscriptions Servuces website, the organization is not affiliated with any local school, club, charity or sports team.