In just two months, the fall high school sports season will be underway, schedules are set to be released, and it means companies and schools will be looking for advertisers to support their efforts for promotion. But it also means scammers are looking to take advantage of those same efforts.
Officials at Christiansburg High School are already reporting a phone scam like this. Athletic Director Tim Cromer said Monday the scammers are asking for businesses to advertise, either on a poster, t-shirt or other “booster item” (such as cups, stadium seats, etc.) with all proceeds going to Christiansburg High School or to benefit Christiansburg High School.
“These are UNAUTHORIZED solicitations and these companies are not acting on behalf of Christiansburg High School. They keep all the business donations and we get a cheap item we are supposed to be able to sell. And, most times, we do not receive anything. A particular poster company will send a cheap poster, late in the year with incomplete schedules on it,” he said.
Julie Wheeler with the Better Business Bureau’s Western Virginia office in Salem said this a common occurrence the BBB has seen for close to 20 years.
“It’s that time of year, and yes, companies will take advantage of people wanting to help their local schools,” she said by phone on Tuesday.
“We have heard several complaints about similar companies in our service area. They have no relationship with the schools but do everything to convince people they do. A lot of times, they don’t even publish anything,” Williams said.
Typically, the BBB see scam call for calendars, schedules and placements for local restaurants.
“It concerns us that they (the scammers) are making people think they are helping the schools,” Williams said.
In the case of Christiansburg High School, unless people are contacted directly by the school or a member of their athletic department (AD, Coach or player), they should not waste their money by supporting or responding to other parties.
“We have not authorized anyone and are not working with any other companies to sell advertising for us, other than the Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg who has been doing the football program for the last 60 years. If you have a question or are not sure, please contact Christiansburg High School and we can confirm or deny that it is legit. We have already answered several of those calls and helped several businesses save money,” Cromer said.
For those wanting to help local athletics, Cromer recommended individuals be inquisitive of any solicitation and to be wary of third party companies.
“Most businesses will be contacted by someone from Christiansburg High School each year and when they get a legitimate opportunity, I hope they will help,” Cromer said.
The same is true for other high schools in the area.
Those that have questions on sales calls concerning fundraising for local schools, contact the BBB Western Virginia office at 342-3455.
If the caller gives a company name, go to the BBB website: (www.bbb-of-western-virginia) and enter the name to verify that they are a legitimate company.
