| School scam alert
Sulphur Springs Independent School District administrators Thursday afternoon reported a solicitation scam. A Fort Worth area business representative has approached some local businesses offereng team spirit banners, proceeds from which the individual claimed wouid benefit the the district’s athletic program.
SSISD Assistant Superintendent Justin Cowart posted the following statement on the district’s Facebook page Thursday morning: “We have recently been informed that a company (Elite Sports Promos out of North Richland Hills) has solicited certain local businesses for donations to be given to Sulphur Springs ISD and its athletic programs.
“Please be aware that this company is not authorized to accept donations on behalf of the District, and that said monetary donations have not been provided to the District. It is our understanding that there may have been misrepresentation as to where the funds would ultimately go.
“This company had offered to provide certain free promotional items to the District. However, we do not intend to continue any relationship with this company.
“We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this has caused to our community, including our local businesses. The goodwill and support of our community is critical to the success of District students and District programs. For these reasons, we are reaching out to notify the greater community. If you wish to seek a refund of any donations made to the company, please contact the company directly.
“If you have a question or concern regarding this matter or any future fundraising opportunities, please contact Justin Cowart at jcowart@ssisd.net,' the SSISD report concluded.
The Better Business Bureau website lists multiple complaints against Elite Sports Promos for this same issue. The agency has received 25 complaints in the last three years, with 18 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
According to the BBB website, “Elite Sports Promos has a pattern of disputes alleging contract issues. Specifically, consumers allege they receive solicitations from Elite Sports Promos claiming to have an agreement with local high schools.
Customers allege they contact the schools with alleged sponsorships and cannot confirm Elite Sports Promos is working with the schools.
The BBB contacted Elite Sports Promos regarding its complaints, but they declined to provide a response on how it was working to resolve the underlying issues.”
To read more on the Better Business Bureau’s reports on Elite Sports Promos, go online to https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/ fort-worth/profile/advertising- agencies/elite-sportspromos- 0825-1000198130/ complaints.