An Arizona man’s story about being a magazine salesman had an unhappy ending. Matthew Maio, 26, of 6202 W. Nancy Road, Glendale, Arizona, was arrested and charged with solicitation, loitering and prowling and scheme to defraud.

Earlier this month, Sheriff’s investigators said Maio knocked on the door of a residence in The Reserves, a gated community. Maio advised the homeowner that he lived in the community and was selling magazine subscriptions for Prestige USA. The homeowner became suspicious and asked Maio where he lived.

Maio gave the homeowner an address that the homeowner knew was fictitious. The homeowner then pointed out that the community has several “no soliciting” signs posted and that Maio should not be soliciting. Maio walked away.

Without Maio’s knowledge, the homeowner followed Maio as he exited the community on foot and walked across Estero Parkway and into another gated community, The Rookery.

There Maio approached several more houses. One of those homeowners told detectives that at no time did Maio identify himself as a magazine salesman, but instead showed him a brochure of equipment he was working on and asked for money.

When confronted, Maio had two receipts for magazine sales, each for $49 as well as a check for $198, authorities said. The check appeared to have been altered with a one written in front of the “98” and “One Hundred” squeezed in place in front of “Ninety-Eight Dollars.” When the check writer was located, she told detectives she had written the check for $98 and that it had been altered. She has the check number listed in her register as $98, authorities said.

Maio’s story to detectives changed several times when he was questioned.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit continues its investigation and believes there may be more victims.

If you placed a magazine order with a door-to-door solicitor, please review your order and means of payment and contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit at (239) 258-3240.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s office