Berks-Lehigh Regional Police received complaints from two separate residents, one from Boxwood Court, the other from Elderberry Drive, on July 30 and 31 about a male going through the neighborhood purporting to be an intern with the Parkland School District.

The male, who was carrying paperwork that appeared to be a spreadsheet, attempted to ask questions ranging from satisfaction with the school district to athletics.

After receiving these complaints, police checked with the school district and confirmed there was no intern working for the district no one should be going door-to-door on the district's behalf.

Further investigation revealed similar incidents occurred within the past month in both the Northwestern Lehigh and Nazareth school districts.

After speaking with representatives from both districts, police determined in at least one of the incidents, in Northwestern Lehigh, the person going door-to-door was a salesperson with the Southwestern Company, a book sales company.

Northwestern Lehigh Superintendent Mary Anne Wright posted the following information on the district's Website on July 25: "I received a phone call yesterday and one today from residents in the Weisenberg area stating an individual, wearing an identification badge with the name 'Jorge,' is going door-to-door telling residents Northwestern assigned him to "talk with the parents."

According to Wright, the individual was asking personal information about where children go to school and personal information about teachers and neighboring families.

"Please let your family members know the district did not authorize anyone to collect information," Wright stated. "If we ever do need information, you will be informed by my office in advance of such information collection.

The next day, Wright posted the following information: "It is confirmed 'Jorge' is an independent dealer with Southwestern Advantage.

"I contacted Southwestern Advantage to inform the company of the confusion and alarm Jorge created for some of our residents.

"I was assured Jorge has an outstanding reputation with Southwestern Advantage and that any confusion was simply a misunderstanding.

"I was also assured that Jorge will no longer be assigned, by Southwestern Advantage, to our school district."

Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Criminal Investigator Pete Nickischer conducted several interviews.

"I believe the two incidents in Upper Macungie are most likely related to the incidents in the other school districts," Nickischer said. "After residents are asked questions about their respective schools, the salesperson leads into a sales pitch for textbooks that can be purchased by the resident."

Nickischer said this was not the first time police received complaints from residents about deceptive sales tactics used by door-to-door solicitors.

"The United States Supreme Court has ruled that door-to-door solicitation is legal, however, I would strongly urge residents to use good common sense when speaking with someone who is representing themselves as being associated with a school district," Nickischer said. "If you are interested in making a purchase, I see nothing wrong with advising the salesperson they can come back after you've confirmed their affiliation with your school either by talking with the school district or contacting police.

Nickischer said if a salesperson uses deceptive tactics then the homeowner should consider finding a salesperson who is trustworthy before making a purchase.

"As with any profession, there are those who will always give others a bad name," Nickischer said. "Make wise choices, and never hesitate to contact your local or state police when in doubt."