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Stefanie Silvey Investigates-Telemarketing Sales Tactics

Stefanie Silvey, Reporter

Meet Jeremy Nelson. He's a handsome young man, but I think most would agree, he doesn't look like the head of the household. He's eight. But Jeremy says that didn't stop an eager salesman from approaching him and a young friend as they were walking home from the bus stop. "He was half way down the street and then he came up to us and said 'would you like to win 1,000 dollars for you and your parents,' and I said I'm not so sure and then after a couple of minutes I started telling him all the questions he asked me, 'what's your mom's name, what's your last name, what's your address and what's your phone number.' I said, 'Mom look at this little slip thingy and she started looking closely at it.' "

  And that's not all, the Nelson's live in a gated community with clear signs saying "No Solicitors." When Jeremy gave his mom the slip, she panicked....since their neighborhood is clearly marked, she became concerned the stranger wasn't a salesperson at all. "It scared me to death because I didn't know if it was a legitimate company or someone after my son." The Nelson's contacted the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's department and were told nothing was illegal. That's when they contacted the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's office. Nelson says not only was she furious her son was approached, but also at what she saw in fine print at the bottom of the slip her son was given. Anyone signing up for the free groceries is also consenting to being called by Martin and Associates for a free carpet cleaning demonstration... Even if your name is on the no call list. "I was outraged because I did not give my permission and would not give my permission. I signed up for the no call list because I didn't want to be called."

And we didn't have to go far to find others just as irritated. Our Chief Photographer Dave Couch also unknowingly signed the same piece of paper....and the calls began...even with his name on the no call list. "I think they are deceiving people, and it's not right. They called everyday for a good part of the week, maybe closer to two weeks. I wasn't home everytime they called, because they called right at the same time everyday, however my wife did talk to them a few times and she said stop calling and she had it just as I had and they stopped calling."

Stefanie Silvey:"Did you tell her why they were calling?

Dave Couch:"Yeah, I did. But I don't think I want to go into that conversation...(he laughs) No, it isn't that bad."

Steve Martin of Martin and Associates says the slips are legitimate and legal. He says what's illegal is the Attorney General's "No Call" list..which he is currently fighting in court. Martin says he sympathizes with people's frustration over telemarketers, but says the "No Call" list is devastating to small business owners... As for the salesman in question, Martin says he isn't an employee of his...and declined an on camera interview.

I did contact Steve Hullman who owns American Company Enterprise, the company hired by Martin and Associates, and the employer of the salesperson in question. Hullman says if the accusations are true, those practices aren't tolerated and he's made that clear to his staff. He says the salesperson in question, recently quit for unrelated reasons.

Ann Komis asks, "And you said it isn't illegal to approach a child and ask personal information?"

Stefanie Silvey answers, "No, It's not and both Mr. Hullman and Mr. Martin reiterated that fact several times when I talked with them, however when I acknowledged it's not illegal, but rather unethical...they didn't argue.

Ann Komis asks,"you said Mr. Martin is fighting the "no call" list in court.

Stefanie Silvey answers, "Yes, that case goes before a judge May 6th here in Vanderburgh County.