Cordova HS Basketball Scam
We have had at least three neighborhood businesses solicited to see if they would be willing to help Cordova High School's Boys Basketball Team with financial support. If this was legit, that would be fine, but it ended up being a scam. The thing is that those who were so-called acting in the name of Cordova High were calling from a Chicago telephone number (the first red flag), so I immediately called Cordova High School's Athletic Director and he confirmed that they have not outsourced fundraising activities to a company in Chicago. So these people are using our local youth basketball team to "earn" money. I am going to post the phone numbers below so that neighbors and anyone else in Rancho Cordova are well informed about this scam. Also, if you have a national calling plan and it is free to call Chicago, feel free to contact both of these numbers and say what you'd like. :)
309-722-4172 - this is the # that called my phone
309-455-4173 - this is the # she left for call back
2 comments:
Hi!
A little detective work found the 309-455-4173 phone number of the scammers was listed on the contact page for "Spirit Solutions." Check them out at http://www.spirit-solutions.com/contact.html
They say: "Our mission is to help spread "school spirit" throughout the country. We do so by providing spirit items to sell, or throw out at games, and we provide it to you free of charge. We are able to do this by the support of your local business owners. Spirit Solutions strives to provide top-quality spirit items and ensure the best in Customer service.
We offer a wide variety of Spirit Items: from Mini Basketballs to Mega Phones, and Sports Towels to T-shirts. We have many products to choose from, Helping to meet all your fund rasing needs."
Could it be a fraud complaint is needed? If you have been contacted by them, you may want to report it.
Sarah
A bit more info: I emailed the company to ask politely how I could help the team. We'll see what they say. Also, here's some info on reporting fraud:
If you suspect a law has been violated, contact your local or state consumer protection agency. This agency may take action or refer you to another state organization that has the authority where you live. A local law enforcement officer could also be able to provide advice and assistance.
Violations of federal laws should be reported to the federal agency responsible for enforcement. While federal agencies are rarely able to act on behalf of individual consumers, complaints are used to document patterns of abuse, allowing the agency to take action against a company.
You can find the appropriate federal agency to contact with your complaint by using the online directory at www.pueblo.gsa.gov/complaintresources.htm.
People who have no intention of delivering what is sold, who misrepresent items, send counterfeit goods or otherwise try to trick you out of your money are committing fraud. If you suspect fraud, there are some additional steps to take.
* Contact the Federal Trade Commission. Write to the FTC Consumer Response Center, Washington, DC 20580 or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). You can also file electronically, choose the “File a Complaint Online” link at www.ftc.gov. Complaints about e-commerce across international borders can be filed at www.econsumer.gov.
* Notify the National Fraud Information Center operated by the National Consumers League, a nonprofit consumer organization. Call 1-800-876-7060 or visit www.fraud.org.
Sarah
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