Local businesses targeted in fundraising scam

A Texas company is contacting businesses in Carson City asking for “sponsorships” for materials to benefit Carson High School. However, according to Carson City School District, this company has no real affiliation with the school nor the district.

One business in Carson City received an electronic solicitation in which the company claimed it was working with Carson High School’s varsity cheer coach to sell souvenir cups, mini basketballs and banners for the upcoming basketball season. After further correspondence with the Carson High School Athletic Director’s office, it was determined this solicitation was false and possibly a scam.

The company, calling itself “Game Day Media” or “Sports Media Marketing” has been the subject of news reports in Texas claiming the company is misleading local businesses into giving money for schools it has no formal relationship with.

“It is sad that there are scammers falsely representing our schools in misleading the good will and generosity of our business community,” said Richard Stokes, superintendent for the Carson City School District. “We have made a concerted effort to establish strong relationships with numerous businesses across Northern Nevada, and it hurts deeply when our partners are targets of fraudulent activity.”

The Carson City School District is cautioning the community to confirm the legitimacy of a third-party-vendor through the individual school sites. Individuals or business interested in supporting sports teams at Carson High School should contact the Athletic Director’s Office at 775-283-1900.