Fire Safety Day Finger-Print/Photo ID Was Insurance Salesman Gimmick

[Henry]

Hi All,

I have been informed that a guy was doing a finger-print/photo identification safe kit at Fire Safety Day and people are now getting calls from the guy who said he did it, but he had to come by in person and wanted to know where they lived as he just couldn't mail it --

Well, it appears that:

He is an Insurance salesman. He is someone that Success By Six had lined up, Not the fire department. Part of him doing the fingerprints was a chance to talk with people about insurance. It was on the release form people had to sign.

Not really the type of insurance man I would want to do business with, but thought people should be made aware -- I am sure Success By Six had no intention of doing this, but certainly don't think the Insurance Man was doing the right thing - Almost like trickery, because when he calls you, he doesn't tell you this - I guess there is no such thing as a free ride.

[katrinaantonovich]

He called me last night, I contacted the fire company because it seemed a little fishy -
Thanks for posting the info.
Katrina

[Henry]

Henry, could you please post the following response on your forum:


We were just made aware that the individual that was responsible for creating the fingerprint/photo identification safe kids was an insurance salesman and is doing so with the intention of soliciting business.  Before now we were unaware of this, we are in the process of contacting the volunteer who set-up the fingerprinting as well as the insurance salesman.  We will provide additional information as we receive it. 

 

Paula Dearborn & Patricia Hendee

Co-Liaisons, BFA-PTSA's Fairfax Success By Six

[JamieRigoni]

Greetings everyone,

I just met with this gentleman.  His name is Robert Cole and he does sell insurance for Woodmen of the World (WotW).  The fingerprint kits are one of many service projects that WotW sponsors.

Once he had delivered the fingerprint kits and verified that he had the correct photo attached to the name he did ask if we had life insurance.  I told him that yes, I was indeed all set, and of course the follow up questions started to come.  All you need to do is say that you aren't interested in insurance and he'll stop asking and be on his way.

On the fingerprinting pamphlet which you had your children put their thumbs on, it tells about WotW and their services and products.  He had his brochures out on the table but I have a feeling that a lot of people looked past them and only at the fingerprint kits.

As for his not wanting to mail it... imagine if the wrong photo got attached to your childs fingerprints.  With the amount of identity theft and strange happenings (someone was arrested for luring, and lewd and lascivious conduct after exposing himself to two children this week in 'lil ole Vermont') that occur today, I for one must say I appreciate him helping protect our children by offering this service.  He was approached while doing the same service at the champlain valley fair and asked to come do this for success by six.

Yes 'TANSTAAFL' (There ain't no such thing as a free lunch'), but my opinion is to give the guy a break.  He is performing a community service by helping fingerprint our kids, and if the only cost is to say that 'no, I'm not interested in hearing about life insurance today' it is a small price.

Jamie P. Rigoni
Fairfax Resident

[Chris]

Mr. Raymond,   I read your comments regarding Mr. Cole and find it interesting that no one has contacted Bob directly to discuss the matter.  I work with Bob and have never found any one more civicly minded or willing to go out of his way to do things for kids, at his own time and expense.  Perhaps you aren't aware of his American Flag presentations to Sherriff's Departments, Fire Departments and Sheldon Elementary School, American History Award at Sheldon Elementary School, his contributions to elementary school playground funds, or contributions to a summer camp for kids (all within the last 12 months), or his annual participation in the Penguin plunge for special olympics.  Within the last week, there has been an abduction attempt in St. Albans, it's too bad every child hasn't been fingerprinted and ID'd properly.  If Bob's marketing of Life Insurance along with his fingerprinting offends anyone, they should consider his contributions to the community, and join him in the Penguin Plunge, he'd be glad to have them.  Chris Hungerford

[NorthFairfaxBoy]

I think the fact of the matter is there should have been a choice to decline the insurance sales pitch yet still receive the photo ID.  While the gentleman in question may provide an excellent service, it was still done under some what false pretenses.  He could have stated that he would like to speak to the parents regarding insurance.  I spoke to a sibling that is in this business and they stated it is a bit of shady way to get customers.  The insurance sales business gets a bad rap as it is, and it is for reasons like this they do.

Also for the record I do the Plunge regularly, that still doesn't give the right to mis-represent ones true intent.

[PotterFXFD]

    I think Mr. Cole was doing a good thing. It is just too bad people where not better informed of who he was. I have already scheduled my appointment with him. At that time I have the choice to say no to his services. For the time and effort he has gone thru this is the least I can do. When someone is trying to do good and do a service to the community I can at least listen to what they have to say. Who knows maybe he can save me money.

[Henry]

I just received a call from Robert Cole, the Insurance Agent who had done the Fire Safety Kits at Fire Safety Day here in Fairfax.  I suggested he put something up on the forum, but he told me that their company's legal department doesn't allow that which I thoroughly understand.  He told me about the number of things he does and is sending me some information on the things they do for the different schools, which might be something that even our own BFA might be interested in. I explained to him that we are a small town and when I heard that there was a possibility that we might have some type of scam artist doing something unethical to some of my friends and neighbors in this small town, I felt it was important that I put something up.  After my conversation with him, I am inclined to believe he is a truly nice guy and does many good things for people and organizations.  He also does not sound like a high pressure guy who will certainly abide by your wishes if you are not interested in insurance.  For those of you that may not have gone through with the Fire Safety Day Kits, I would actually suggest you tell him you are interested as from what I got from him, he will listen to you if you tell him you don't want insurance.  He asked to come and speak with me and I told him I was not interested in him coming to my house - Had he pursued, I would not be writing this, instead he offered to mail me some information on the different things he does regarding flags.

Also if you haven't read the message from the Success By Six people, click on the following link:

http://www.vtgrandpa.com/forum/index.php?topic=2250.0

I appreciate the different responses, unfortunately some of the people who spoke in defense for Robert Cole, I had no idea who they were or where they were from.  I do know Fire Chief Dean Potter who has an appointment with Robert Cole and the two girls at Success By Six have also put up a note - Mr. Cole, who is from Sheldon does know what a small community is like - We do stick together and watch out for one another - Bottom Line, Mr. Cole does many good things - Give him a chance.