Lee County, Fla. - Investigators say scam artists are out and about this holiday season. Some people are going door to door, asking residents to buy magazines and books, even study abroad trips, to support a charity. Deputies say, don't fall for it.

WINK News received reports scam artists were out Tuesday night in the Matera neighborhood in Fort Myers.

Investigators believe multiple groups are out there with the same goal - to separate you from your cash, for what you think is a good cause.

Kim Dider says her family was watching television Tuesday night, when the scammers knocked on her door.

"We hollered for them to come in because we thought it was a friend, and they came in wanting to sell us books to fund a trip to Italy," says Dider.

Lee County Sheriff's Investigators say it's a story they're hearing more and more.

"You're going to see these people come up with clipboards and some fliers and stuff that looks very official, very professional, but don't let that fool you," says Sgt. Larry King with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators also say beware of the high pressure tactics the scam artists use.

"They wanted cash, they were going to give me nothing in return and I just felt very uncomfortable," says Dider.

She turned the men away, but others have fallen prey to similar scams, thinking they were helping U.S. troops.

"They said since we didn't need a magazine we could buy one for someone overseas, so we bought one and it turned out it was a scam," says Lillian Newman of Fort Myers.

As for who to look out for, deputies say it's not just adults. Some of the door to door solicitors are children.

"They prey on people's goodwill I think," says Newman.

WINK News called Florida State University's International Studies Program, one of the establishments the scammers are claiming to be with. FSU says they in no way support students raising money this way.

If you still feel compelled to give, investigators ask you do your research and ask for a receipt.