Midwest Clearing, Inc. review: Misrepresentation! 42

Two young African American women came to my door, as well as my neighbors' doors trying to sell magazines for points to get a job for single mothers. Their paperwork was good, but I felt funny about this. I wish I would have thought it through and checked them out online. My concern is their coming back for me from me and my other neighbors.

Ripped off by Paragon Sales Inc. Sold me a magazine subscription to gain points to help single moms. This is a lie. They ran away so quickly you could see wind under their feet. I know I will not be repaid or receive my money back. This company must be shut down!

I too received the same sales pitch. As I am apparently a dummy, I said yes-- only to find out that the subscription was for 3 yrs and cost $58 to House and Garden Magazine (thought it would be similar to Home and Garden-- but this magazine is full of expensive unrealistic decorating ideas). I received 5 months worth of the magazine and decided to call and cancel-- First I called House and Garden, they gave me a different # to call and then from there, I got a DIFFERENT #. They were willing to cancel my subscription with NO REFUND. When I was transferred to another person, he was basically like-- so what, your contract said you had 3 days to cancel. Man I am a dummy-- thanks to the internet, hopefully someone will read this and wish the person well and send them on their way while they dont get scammed!

I just fell for the same scam, but thanks to finding this I canceled my check and will mail my cancelation slip tomorrow. It makes me feel like a real idiot. I hate having to suspect people

I have the same comments as the others. Two blacks come to my door and pitch their wares. The female was nice and she told me her sob story. The biggest problem to me is the $12.00 shipping and handling fee, poor choice magazines and the lengths of many of the subscriptions are 2 years. Lastly, the website, midwestclearing.com, did not exist which made me more skeptical.

I cancelled my check and mailed the cancellation form.

Miswestclearing.com does exist, but it's a noncommital website where you don't get any info on Paragon -- I just wish I had read this blog before I just wrote my check!

Two young people came to our door yesterday with the same pitch that I have read in all of the messages above. Today we do not know what to think about our "purchase". The problem is that we really did not want any magazines, so we chose to have them sent to "centers or places for other disadvantaged youth", which would be selected by Midwest Clearing. One problem with their pitch is that they do not offer any way to verify that the magazines that we purchased will actually end up where we asked for them to go.
These two young people really were very good sales-people and they were likable and believable. We just don't like not being able to check out Paragon and Midwest Clearing (after the fact) to our satisfaction, so today we have cancelled our transaction with them. It is unfortunate. If Paragon and Midwest Clearing really are honest companies of real integrity, then it should be much easier to validate their existence and their business model and practices.
Further, and more importantly, they have done an extreme disservice to these two young people, because the companies could not maintain the trust in the transaction that these seemingly fine young persons were able to create with their sales techniques.

The company is not the problem, to my knowledge Paragon Sales is a wonderful program for young adults to get out and see new things and gain knowledge on great sale skills. I was able to work with people in the program and the things I'm reading about is not true I made my money in the business and helped out young adults which gave me the reason to continue on helping once I got home now I'm helping young adults to be their own person when they thought they could not. Its just that some people don't understand that you have to work for success it will never come to you you have to go get it. Everybody is not the bad guy just because they sale magazines so give an young adult a chance to talk and tell you why they working so hard in going door to door. You can email me anytime for any more questions because I understand but help its just a sales pitch don't take it to the heart.

I was scared into buying... stopped payment on the check, sent in the cancellation and then got a nasty letter in the mail from "Dave" at Midwest Clearing threatening collections... below was my response.

5/16/08

Receipt # XXXXXXXX

RE: Midwest Clearing c/o Dave
3649 West 183rd Street
Suite 101
Hazel Crest, IL 60429
[protected]

Dear Dave:

I received a letter from you today regarding the stop payment of a check that was issued by me for magazines sold by Midwest Clearing. Here are the facts…A representative from your company came to my home in Gilbert AZ at 9:20 pm while I was home with my young daughter and three of her friends. He proceeded to apologize for the late hour and then started to tell me how he was trying to raise money to better his life since his brother was shot dead while commiting crimes and he had also been shot and proceeded to show me his scars from bullet wounds. He asked me to “make a donation” to help him out and to sign a “petition” to show his bosses he was at my home and doing his job….quite honestly I was afraid to tell him no. …so I signed his “petition" thinking he would leave. Instead I then listened to him tell me how magazine companies “donate” free magazines to help people rebuild their lives and what magazines he had to offer and I agreed to one…he wrote down two and asked for a check close to $100.00. I said that was not what I agreed to… . He changed it to one …. The “free donation” was a sizable price and the added “ 12.00 fee” made it even higher. He was very irritated saying he had not made his goal and if I would buy more he could get off his feet for the rest of the night. My daughter and her friends were frightened of this man and I was very leery as well. Frankly, I wrote a check against my better judgement just to get him to leave my home. Upon closer inspection of my “receipt” and a quick look at the internet I saw all the fraud reports and the number of BBB complaints against Midwest Clearing. I told my husband what happened and he was furious that your representative came to the door at that time of night and that he frightened myself and the children. He contacted our lawyer and was told that solicitation after 8 PM is illegal and that we should call the police. I chose not to call the police, but, to cancel the sale.
I did call the number on the receipt numerous times from my cell phone and got put on hold three times and argued with the fourth time. After wasting many cell minutes and being thoroughly disgusted with Midwest Clearing I chose to stop payment on the check and I mailed in the cancellation as instructed by the rude person I spoke to on the phone at Midwest Clearing.
I will not send you a copy of the stop payment order from the bank as you requested and I highly suggest you do not have a collection agent contact our home.
Thank You,

Joyce Stephens

CC: Fenstermacher & Howe, LLC
File

Ok, so maybe I'm a complete sucker, but I bought magazines both last year and again today from a young guy who came to our door. I spent about 1/2 hour talking to him, asked lots of questions, initially not completely trusting him. He did give us the spin about getting away from a bad situation (inner city Chicago) and said that he was working to develop sales skills and if he made enough sales he'd get a $1000 bonus at the end of the summer for College...he said he was going to Community College in Chicago...but who knows he may not have finished high school! He did not talk about donating the subscriptions. He did tell us he'd make more money if we bought 3 subscriptions., but was was up front about how the program worked for him. We didn't, buy 3 just bought 2...that I didn't really need...and they were expensive, since you have to buy 2 years minimum for the most part. He did say that it was pretty tough where he lived and that he felt lucky to be able to be in New England for the summer...and I have to believe that anywhere in New England is better than inner city Chicago.

I guess I feel as though this kid is far away from home for the summer and pounding the pavement daily...he had been out for 4 hours today and had the door slammed on him more than once...people who wouldn't even open the door (probably because he was black) and he hadn't had a sale.He said he ws going to keep trying. He comes to our house in an upscale suburban neighborhood. It's dfficult for me, anyway, to say no...at least he's working for it and learning a skill. Have you ever tried to sell anything door to door or done cold calling for a company? It is not fun! I was happier to see him than the Jehovah's who are the only others that solicit me.

I do agree that there should be more online info so that we don't feel "taken". However, I'm going to get my magazines...got them last year, and feel good that I gave that kid a sale today...and will get some new rags to read!

I think that the kids in the program is not the problem its the stereotyping that those kids have to go through.People just need to believe in them like you believe in blessing because GOD never made two people alike. I actually liked the young adults that came to my house AND THEY WAS TELLING THE TRUTH! AND I DID GET MY MAGAZINES! So you should'nt blame everybody for one mistake. Be a leader not a follower.

Hi,
I just want to thank you for this board because I left the young woman standing outside while I checked the internet and found your postings.
What a shame because there are so many good organization and good people out there.
Thanks because of you I didn't fall for this.
Dawn

August 29, 2008

Same story. A slick talking salesperson and two "trainees, " and the line was that I would be helping him build points as well as making a charitable contribution to a Boys Club by purchasing the magazine but NOT for myself.

Then I looked at the receipt and saw the "NO DONATIONS!" along with the declaration on back about the operation not allowing itself to be represented as any form of charity or non-profit organization.

Obviously, Midwest Clearing is not doing a good job of informing its personnel. And we're not doing well by the young people who are seduced into type of life.

i think that tha program is actually a great program for young adults because for tha simpl;e fact they except tha homeless and actually turn them into sucessful business men how do i kno because im one of them. so next time u actually read something on tha internet think before u react. because u do believe in second chances dont u?

Exact same deal just happened to me, here in a suburb south of Seattle. Young black woman claiming to be part of training program... first thought was it was scam. Asked if I could do a donation on line, she said that wasn't possible. Checked it out and of course it's a scam. Hopefully they can explain to the police department why they're peddling goods without a business permit.

Does everyone see K.Price's comment? Read this article:
http://cs.newhampshire.com/blogs/salem_observer/archive/2008/07/02/Four-men-in-Salem-charged-in-assault-of-magazine-salesman.aspx

Notice a Kevin Price in the article? Interesting no? Compare the dates of how many days ago his post was made vs the date of the article. Interesting no?

We had two black men come to our door as well, long story short we fell for the sob story and wanted them out of out house so we got the cheapest magazine for 51.00. we wrote a check and they left, yesterday we got the check back and the stupid men had changed the amount to 151.00 and wrote over our writing in dark marker. We are so mad. I cant believe those idiot boys, i will never fall for something like that again! i can't believe how sad this world is. We are just so thankful we received the check back. we are among the lucky few and im sure its few.

I just bought a four year Weight Watchers magazine subscription for $60 (30 points?)from a young man, who was very nice and articulate, and came to my door this evening in the Bernal Heights area of San Francisco. A lot of other people had signed up, many for high points amounts (300-400) indicating several magazine subscriptions. It's not until the end of a long conversation that you find out he's selling magazines. I hope I actually get the magazine. I should know better, but I got suckered in. I'm suspicous someone is making money off these kids.

Yesterday, I was visited by a young man from Paragon, selling magazines. I told him that frankly I thought he AND I were being exploited by this company, but in the end I subscribed. Stupid. A little web research and I learned that this exact kid was arrested for assault (upon one of his fellow salesmen) in Salem, Mass just six months ago. From now on I'm not answering the door.

I'm a former paragon sales person and for all of you who claim our program to be scam, its not true. This program creates realistic jobs for young men and women! you may have came in counter with a sales person who keep your money or lied, but this does not make our company a scam they give every young person who wants a chance that chance now if they do keep your money or lie they will be fired! bye you saying its a scam you make it hard for people like myself who's really working to change. please dont discredit us like this.

The people here claiming to represent Paragon are liars, and criminals. They are trying to protect their illegal scam operation, and also to further their criminal interests. there is a lot of information online about them. do the research.
Tyrone Price is actually Andre Price, and they have a long criminal record.
It's time to stop these ###

Warning: Never come to Berkeley again. we are preparing for you.

These people are known criminals running a multi-state criminal organization, that employs felons, rapists, and have a network of criminal connections responsible for murder, rape, burglary, frauf, and many other felony cries. do the research yourself.
Here are links with information about this dangerous criminal organization

http://www.travelingsalescrews.info/door%20to%20door%20sales%20profiles.html

http://www.paragonstd.com/warning.htm

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=in&vol=app5290201.lmb&invol=2

http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2004/07/02/news/news01.txt

http://www.myspace.com/paragon_dynasty

http://www.paragonstd.com/warning.htm

http://www.delver.com/people/paragon-dynasty/33330263/

I am 1/2 white and 1/2 Hispanic. I moved in a rich white community in 1990 although not originally from this kind of economic neighborhood. I am a general contractor that moved here so my children could experience the best in public education.I came here suspecting prejudice from this neighborhood and struggling to build there trust. I'm talking about Danville ( Where the hero pilot lives that saved those lives in the Hudson river ). To my surprise the people here welcomed me with open arms. Every day I am given the keys to expensive homes. In the 18 years Ive been here I have never even been asked once did you happen to see there wallet, a watch or anything of value missing although they leave it out in plain sight. My 6' 4" black, bald, ripped nephew worked his summer college breaks here and had 3 of my corp. clients offering him corp. employment after his graduation. Today I witnessed my Sheriff dept. approaching 2 well dressed black youths walking door to door from Paragon Sales. They had the legal paperwork from the County to do so. They informed me they had been approached 4 times on that day alone by the police discouraging there quest apparently prompted by home Owners. Unfortunately prejudice lives everywhere. I have received my magazines from this program. I will be asking my Sheriff Dept. tomorrow if all door to door sales are being approached and discouraged or just the polite black ones. I want to thank the majority of Danville residence. Shame on the few residences in my town and Sheriff dept. for responding with no legal or moral reason.

You're all crazy! Some hard working kid knocks on your door to try and make a buck and you go bashing them on the internet. I do not and have not ever worked for whatever this company is but was glad to help the kid out. I'm from Chicago and live in KC and he was also from Chicago and wasn't making it up, he was legit, professional, and I hope he sells as many magazines as he can and that there aren't so many close minded people out there.

i too worked for paragon sales and flat out its a business that is taking young adults from the inner city streets. Teaching sells skills and perserverance and setting future goals that lead to success allowing them a job and a chance to travel a see things they only imagine or heard about. being able to walk around your communities doing something productive with their time and talents instead of being another statistic in their environment. also implanting in their mind that they to can make a splash in the business world. the only complaint i have my whole employment with paragon is dealing with the sterotypes and feeling out of place in your communities like im not free to be in your neighborhood. its america besides the look at the leader of OUR NATION.

After reading all the comments listed (after I had also purchased subsriptions), I too feel that the Paragon organization is a scam. I went as far as writing to "Dave at Midwest Clearing" requesting the legitimacy of Paragon since Andre Walker, the man who developed the organization, is listed under Midwest Clearing's BBB listing (note: they are not rated on BBB). After asking Dave to validate Paragon's existance and not receiving an answer I am convinced that the organization is a scam. It's a shame since I too felt that it would be nice to help out the group, but knowing that it did not exist I cancelled my check and order.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PRINT A COPY OF THIS LETTER TO GIVE TO ANYONE FROM PARAGON SALES INC AT YOUR DOOR:

"Dear Paragon Salesperson:

I admire what you are doing to try to improve yourself and your future. But I strongly encourage you to take the skills you have already learned and move into a different activity.

What you are doing now is using strong sales tactics to sell magazines to people who (for the most part) don’t want the product you are selling but have felt sympathy for you and the story you tell.

The problem is that most of the money you collect does NOT go to you or others like you. Most of the money you collect goes to Midwest Clearing.

If I could give you a small donation to encourage you personally, I would consider doing that rather than spending a large amount on unwanted magazines and having the bulk of my “donation” go to Midwest Clearing.

You may respond that you don’t want a donation but want to experience the satisfaction of selling something instead. I would say that your sales pitch is NOT designed to sell the product you are offering. Rather it is focused only on gaining sympathy and support for you as the sales person. This is not a good lesson for your future. If you continue in sales, you should be learning how to present a product in its best light -- not simply asking for people to buy from you because you come from a disadvantaged back ground and are trying to improve yourself.

The company you work for specifically prohibits “donations or contributions of any kind” in order to prevent people like me who may want to help you personally but don’t want to help them get rich by taking advantage of you.

The paperwork you carry also says that company rules prohibit donations because that would make your activity illegal in most states under “panhandling and pandering status.” What they probably didn’t tell you is that you are breaking the law in most states just by selling magazines door to door without a permit. If you are caught and charged with a crime, the people you work for will claim that you are an “independent contractor” like it says in the paper you carry door to door. They say this to protect themselves and put the criminal responsibility on you. They may also be evading income tax requirements by falsely calling you an independent contractor even though you are an employee and not an independent contractor if while working for them you are only free to sell their magazines.

Again, I wish you well personally although I do not support the activity in which you are currently engaged.

I hope that you will take the “work ethic and positive mental attitudes” you have already learned and use these skills in the future in more productive ways that enrich you and your communities rather than giving money to companies like Midwest Clearing."

An articulate and well-dressed man came to our home the other evening and we spoke for about a good 15 minutes about himself and his family. I fell for his sob story.He is a very good business man that needs to find a more constructive form of employment, because frankly a lot of these people that are working for paragon are being cheated big time. They are away from their families, making minimum wages, working with criminals, eat fast foods daily, etc. A few of the bad apples were arrested the other day in Montebello, NY.

I called this company to verified if this is legit, but I'm unable to get tru, even the fax number is not available. Do you think this will work if I sent in the cancellation stub to them.By the way, I did cancel my check

We fell for the same thing in October of 2009, this year. We live in a nice middle class area of Orange County, Ca. Although the young man was pleasent enough and we talked I did feel scared into giving him the money. I have heard of groups going through a neighborhood (just to case it) and I didn't want him to be back later that night to rip us off. That actually occured to me as I was talking to him and he looked into my home and made a comment about us owning a Play Station 3. I thought that was unuasual for a "salesman" to notice such things, and furthermore COMMENT on it!
I still haven't received the magazine, but I did check with the bank and at least the check was submitted for what I wrote it for! If it was an insurance pollicy I paid for, then I guess it was cheap in the long run, however, I agree, this should be stopped!

I got exactly what I ordered (see photo). It was 6 months later, which is OK with me. I ordered a Vegetarian Times (2 yr) and Yoga Journal (3 yr) in May, they started arriving in November. I think most people who complain about this being a scam just don't have 6 months worth of patience. My receipt has the same information:

Midwest Clearing, Inc
3649 West 183rd Street
Suite 101
Hazel Crest, IL 60429
[protected]
midwestclearning.com

It's not a scam, it's slow since I assume these are people just doing the best they can and making best with what they have. Former drug addicts aren't the most reliable people in general, be patient. The woman who came to my door was the same as the other stories - a sob story about being on drugs. I grew up in a major New England city, so I'm pretty wise, and I gave her a grilling (and did my best Cal Lightman to boot). There were certain things that I knew that she knew and the way she answered I was positive it was not a lie. I checked online right in front of her and she saw the scam pages and was genuinely surprised. Since I knew she was telling the truth, I bought the magazine and told her that when I got my magazines, I'd post that she was legit on the sites that listed her as a scam, so here I am. If you want to check with me, my name is Michael Bushe, my email is "my first name"@"my last name".com (remove the quotes and fill it in). I wish the best to these folks, they are heroically overcoming all the odds against them through hard work and dedication. I wish you all the success in the world. To Tanisha - much love, fight the good fight, there's far more reward on the other end.

I wish I know about this before. I too was a victim of this fraud. On 10/1/09, an early 30 black female come to my neighborhood and talk about how she needs help to get out of the project by selling magazine and she would get a small commission. So I decided to help her out and purchased some magazine. By February 2010 I still have not received any magazine so I email Midwestclearing.com and received a reply from Dave saying that I should mail them the receipt and I will get the refund. I did that more than 2 weeks ago but still have not received my refund nor heard anything from them. Do not fall for this.

I too have fell victim to this scam. I have been fighting with "Dave" for my refund since 2/2010. I have taken to calling him every two weeks for my refund of merchandise never recieved. He initially told me I would have my refund 3/1/2010, when that didn't show up I called him back, then told me 3/15/2010, that never showed up so I called him again, he gave some lame excuse about a mix up and said that I would have it by 4/2/2010. I have now taken to calling him every two weeks and every single time he gives me a date 2 weeks out. I told him today that this is no longer acceptable and asked him to speak with someone else. He told me there is no one else there but the Owner, I told him perfect that I wanted to speak to him. He told me I couldn't speak to him, that he was out in the field training their employees. His name is Andre Walker. I looked them up on Chicago BBB, and their accreditation has been revoked. Their record is disgusting. Can someone please let me know how I can get some sort of resolution? Does anyone know how to get a hold of this supposed Andre Walker? Please post your response.

Midwest Clearing is a magazine clearing house. It turns out, they do not actually sell magazines. They only clear the orders that the independent sales teams place. I spoke with them earlier to gather some company info. After having a couple young people knock on my door
I thought it was best to do a little research.

On December 14, 2009 I was a fool and purchased a subscription from a young man with whom I had a great conversation. The magazine never showed up. On May 13, 2010 I sent Midwest Clearing a letter requesting a full refund as it is stated on the invoice I am due a refund. I've heard nothing. I have called and left messages with my call back number. Nothing. Now when you call the Clearing House you are given a 24 hour fax number. I just tried it. No answer.I am trying to fax them my second written request for a refund. Since their 24 hour fax is NOT 24 hours. I will try their website that they give right before their 24 hour fax number. I am FUMING! I will NEVER, EVER speak to one of these young people who come through our neighborhood again! I will LOUDLY run them off!

Paragon is out and about again. I was taken in. I am usually the level headed one and had I been at a friends house and they were getting the same speech I got - I would have told them to run, not walk into their house advising her don't give them a penny... But I got caught up in the story of the 2 young men trying to have a better life, after such a bad childhood in a bad part of LA...etc... SUCKERED ME RIGHT IN...
After they left, and I got my wits about me, I looked online about the company - found it had many many complaints lodged against it for scams and immediately contacted my bank to stop payment on the check. I also called the number on the receipt -- no one answered. The recording said I needed to tell them in writing that I was canceling and could do that from their website or via fax to [protected]. I canceled on the website - and I will also be faxing a notice of cancellation to them.
DON'T BE DUPED... It's going to cost me $25 to stop payment - and a big lesson learned!

The young people selling subscriptions for Midwest Clearing are the genuine victims. I think they stand on your door step, honestly believing they have been given a chance to pull themselves out of a life most of us, on the other side of the door step, could not imagine. Midwest uses what is left of the hopes of these young people to squeeze gruelling, door to door saleswork from them. Can YOU imagine walking the paths of these young people, standing upright before perceived judgement and trying to sell the magazine choices they are given?
I made my check out, for $55, because I have a good job and everyone deserves a chance to make their life better. I did not purchase a magazine subscription, rather provided whatever magazine to a youth group in some hard pressed city (sure...right). I don't consider my money well spent, I consider that I gave it away, and my hope is Teron B., they young man at my door, will benefit.
It doesn't really matter. The young man I worked with was in ernest. I made that check out because of him, his choice to find someway to pull himself up and because I have more than enough in my life.

In August 2010 a young woman knocked on our door, she was selling magazine subscriptions, she was so upbeat and seemed like an honest young lady. My husband ordered a 2 year subscription to Taste of Home Magazine, we gave her a check for $43.00, made out to Midwest Marketing, she said it would take 6 to 8 weeks for 1st magazine to arrive. I just called Taste of Home to check, Midwest Marketing or Midwest Clearing, Inc. is not on their list of approved vendors. We were taken for $43.00 by this young woman. I hope she can sleep nights knowing she scammed senior citizens out of $43.00. The check was marked "For Deposit Only" U.S.Bank, St. Paul, Minnesotta.

Nov. 15, 2010 - San Rafael, Ca. sweet large black young woman came to the door- same story - Says 48 young people out of inner-city Chicago are being housed at the local Best Western, after flying up from Souther California and Denver before that. I'm always a sucker - I just can't be rude, but luckily my wife is the hard nosed one who can send them on their way. But the last thing we need is more magazines, and I would like to know how much Dave and Andre Walker earn off the backs of these poor kids trudging through the neighborhoods. It happens every year about this time.

Well, I just purchased 6 magazines to be donated to whatever organizations that needed them. The grand total, $462 for 3 years. Naturally, after engaging with the young lady who was quite articulate and presentable, I went online to check out Midwest Clearing. BBB gave the the company a big fat F and there were a lot of unhappy people posting their complaints. I immediately went online and put a stop payment on the check. Basically, the strategy is for the young person to tell you about their sorry life story and how they want to turn it around which may be true and may be embellished. I listened carefully and found some inconsistencies but there seemed to be an ounce of truth. What really amazed me is that this company sends these young people all over the country. That's quite an expense even if they're traveling by bus and staying at Motel 6 and eating fast food. It just didn't sit well with me. Monique is from St. Louis, Mo and I'm in San Francisco. Think it's time to put a No Solicitation sign.