Due to recent complaints regarding solicitors, the DeKalb City Clerk has issued a reminder to residents.

“This is the time of year when we have a lot more solicitors and peddlers that go door-to-door,” said DeKalb City Clerk Donna Johnson.

In 2007 DeKalb gave license to 48 solicitors, or people who travel door-to-door selling products, that will be delivered at a later date.

“We do have problems from time to time,” said Lt. Carl Leoni, DeKalb Police Operations Commander. “[Mostly from] people coming through selling magazine subscriptions.”

Other items that have been a problem in the past include learning materials, encyclopedias and software, Leoni said.

When a solicitor steps onto a potential customer’s doorstep, they should have a copy of their license with them, and you should ask to see it, Johnson said.

If a solicitor has a license, their business information is held on file at the city clerk’s office which provides extra protection to buyers.

“I’ve had a solicitor come to my door, they were selling magazines and I didn’t feel good about it so I said ‘no,'” said Caylee McGrath, junior special education major.

Solicitor licenses are not typically issued for books, magazines and meat. Children under 16 do not need to register at the clerk’s office or have a license to sell door-to-door.

Residents who think a solicitor is not licensed, or if something doesn’t seem right, should call the police, Leoni said.