FULLERTON : Magazine Salespeople Posing as Students

Cal State Fullerton officials said they have been alerted that magazine salespeople in the area have been posing as communications students at the university.

“It’s a scam that is tarnishing the image of the department,” said Robert G. Picard, chairman of the university’s School of Communications.

The university became aware of the problem, he said, after several residents called to complain that solicitors who had identified themselves as Cal State students trampled flower beds and spit on cars after failing to make sales.

According to university officials, the solicitors are going door-to-door telling residents that students are required to read certain magazine articles and sell a specified number of magazine subscriptions as part of a class assignment. There is no such assignment, officials said.

The solicitors have been reported in Orange, Brea and Alta Loma, officials said.