Fake school-district donation call to local businesses
An Iowa school district warned that callers were asking local businesses for donations in its name, and the district said it was not making those calls. Before you give, call the school office on a number you already have.
How it works
A caller reaches a local business and claims to represent a nearby school district. They ask for a donation, often with a sense of urgency or a story about a school need. The real district may later say it is not calling anyone for donations. Because the request uses a real school's name, it can sound like a normal community fundraiser. The safe check is to call the school office yourself and never read a card number to an unexpected caller.
Red flags
- An unexpected call asks your business to donate to a school or district.
- The caller wants a card number or payment over the phone.
- You cannot confirm the campaign on the school's own website.
- The person pressures you to give before you can call the school back.
What to do
- Do not give a card number or other payment information to the caller.
- Call the school or district office using a number you already have or one on the official website.
- If the school says it did not call, report the contact at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to local police if money was sent.
- Tell nearby businesses, because the same callers may be working the area.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.