Never assume "innocense", when it comes to the infamous SOLICITOR...  Regardless, if they are carrying religious brochures and a bible, running for political office, or just trying to sell something door to door - stay alert, and NEVER, EVER, LET THEM IN YOUR HOUSE!  Speak to them through a LOCKED SCREEN / STORM DOOR, and be assertive when you say "NO THANK YOU!"  If per chance you do want to listen, ask for some sort of identification - hopefully that contains a picture of them and the company or organization they are representing.  Ask point blank - "Have you registered with the local police department, and received the necessary permit to go door to door in our town?"  Believe me, this one question alone - will fluster more than 75% of those pressing their wares - watch them turn, and walk down the steps - sometimes without another word!!!  Now let's be reasonable - if you see a boyscout selling popcorn or a girlscout selling cookies - accompanied by a parent or two - lighten up a bit, but just a bit....  After the encounter at your door comes to a close - especially if the interaction was not a favorable one - call the local police business line, and inform them that solicitors are coming door to door in your neighborhood....see if there are any permits on the records, allowing these individuals to solicit in your town...  The police are more than willing to help, and usually - they will take a "courtesy" run through the neighborhood where the solicitors have been spotted, and stop to talk to them....  If the police do not like what they hear, they are going to escort these people right to the town line!!!!