GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. – As door-to-door sales activity continues across South Jersey, the Gloucester Township Police Department is reminding residents to verify that anyone soliciting at their home is properly licensed before engaging in conversation or making a purchase.
The department said its Community Relations Bureau regularly receives questions and complaints about solicitors, prompting officials to clarify the township’s licensing requirements and offer tips to help residents avoid potential scams.
Under Gloucester Township regulations, every person conducting door-to-door sales must carry a Gloucester Township-issued solicitor identification card. Police said solicitors are required to present that identification when asked by a resident.
Wide range of businesses must be licensed
The licensing requirement applies to a variety of businesses that go door-to-door, including home improvement contractors, pest control companies, solar and clean energy sales representatives, tree service companies, yard cleanup businesses, and even ice cream vendors.
“Yes, each Mr. Softee driver has one in Gloucester Twp!” the department noted in its public advisory.
Police recommend that residents ask to see a solicitor’s identification through a video doorbell system whenever possible rather than opening the door.
“If a solicitor comes to your door, ask them for their Gloucester Township Solicitor’s ID Card through your doorbell camera,” the department advised.
Don’t do business with unlicensed solicitors
Officers say residents should immediately end the conversation if a solicitor cannot produce a township-issued identification card or offers excuses such as claiming a supervisor has the permit.
“If they don’t have one, or claim ‘their supervisor has one,’ or make some other excuse, then please DO NOT conduct business with them,” the department said.
Police also encourage residents to trust their instincts if a solicitor becomes aggressive or refuses to leave after being told no.
Anyone who believes a solicitor is acting suspiciously, committing fraud, or harassing residents is asked to contact the Gloucester Township Police Department’s non-emergency line at 856-228-4500.
New Jersey municipalities often require solicitor permits
Many municipalities across New Jersey require door-to-door solicitors, peddlers, canvassers, and hawkers to register or obtain permits before conducting business. The rules vary from town to town, but they are generally intended to protect residents from fraud while giving police a way to verify legitimate businesses operating in the community.
Gloucester Township also provides an application process for businesses seeking permission to conduct door-to-door sales and maintains information about solicitor licensing through the municipal clerk’s office.
Door-to-door scams continue to target homeowners throughout New Jersey, particularly older residents. Verifying a solicitor’s identification before opening the door or sharing personal information can help prevent fraud, identity theft, and high-pressure sales tactics.
Police say legitimate companies that comply with local regulations should have no issue presenting their township-issued identification when asked.
Gloucester Township homeowners may see an increase in door-to-door sales during the summer months as contractors, solar companies, landscapers, and other businesses canvass neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to use doorbell cameras or speak through closed doors whenever possible and verify a solicitor’s credentials before considering any services.
Police will continue responding to complaints involving suspicious solicitors and encourage residents to report anyone conducting door-to-door sales without the required township-issued identification.
Businesses planning to solicit in Gloucester Township can obtain licensing information and application materials through the township’s Municipal Clerk’s Office.
Sources
- Gloucester Township Police Department
- Gloucester Township Police Department Facebook
- Gloucester Township Municipal Clerk
FAQ
- Do all door-to-door solicitors need a permit in Gloucester Township?
Yes. Police say solicitors must carry a Gloucester Township-issued identification card before soliciting. - What types of businesses are covered?
Home improvement, pest control, solar, tree service, yard cleanup, ice cream vendors, and other door-to-door sales businesses. - What should I do if a solicitor doesn’t have an ID?
Police advise residents not to do business with the individual and to report suspicious activity if necessary. - Should I open the door?
Police recommend asking to see a solicitor’s identification through a doorbell camera whenever possible. - Who should I call to report suspicious solicitors?
Contact the Gloucester Township Police Department’s non-emergency line at 856-228-4500.
Key Points
- Gloucester Township police say all door-to-door solicitors must carry a township-issued identification card.
- Residents should verify a solicitor’s credentials before opening the door or conducting business.
- Police encourage homeowners to report suspicious or aggressive solicitors to the department’s non-emergency line.
New Jersey, Gloucester Township, Gloucester Township Police Department, solicitors, door to door sales, consumer protection, scams, homeowners, public safety, South Jersey
