Summer is officially here, which means door-to-door sales crews are, too.

But buyers beware - what they’re selling isn’t always legit.

Read on for red flags and guidance on how to deal with the doorbell ringers of summer.

How they work

•The ring of the doorbell announces a visitor who has a great deal to offer.

•They may be with a construction company or lawn service “doing business in your neighborhood.”

•The great deal has an expiration date - take the offer now or miss the savings.

•They may ask for upfront payment.

What to know

•Legit summer sales crews, sometimes employing college students, go door-to-door in neighborhoods across the country. But be aware that they are trained in high-pressure sales tactics and their pay may be based on their sales.

•The illegitimate offers may come from unscrupulous companies or outright scammers looking to make a fast buck by doing a quick but shoddy job or taking payment and then skipping the job altogether.

What to do

•To avoid feeling pressured: when someone comes to your front door, consider making a deal with yourself to not open the door to anyone you’re not expecting or don’t know.

•Consider writing a “refusal script” to prepare in the event you do engage with the person. Something as simple as “I’m not interested, thank you,” is a short but polite way to end an unwanted conversation.

•Those “buy now or lose out” pitches are designed to excite us into making a split decision. Consider whether you even need or want a service or product that’s being offered; sometimes that answer is enough to end the conversation. (And if it’s something you do need or want, do your own research, and reach out to potential providers that you’ve vetted, rather than accepting work from someone you haven’t vetted.)

As fraud criminals have access to increasingly sophisticated tactics, it is more important than ever to stay informed on the latest scam tactics and red flags.

Learn more at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

One more thing

We launched AARP VOA ReST, a free program that provides emotional support for people affected by a scam or fraud.

ReST sessions are online, hourlong, confidential small groups led by trained peer facilitators.

Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn’t have to define you.

Interested, visit aarp.org/fraudsupport to learn more.