Shawnee Mission School District issues phone-scam warning

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The Shawnee Mission School District has issued a phone-scam warning.

Individuals who aren't affiliated with the district have been calling businesses in the area, saying they are soliciting funds for schools and athletic programs, district officials said in an Oct. 5 news release

The caller may even reference the name of a coach in his or her pitch to sell advertising.

The school district says it would never require credit card information over the phone, as these callers do. Fundraising for school clubs and activities is typically done by students, in person.

The firm involved in the recent scam calls operates under the name Halftime Sports, the district noted, and like other entities that have approached local merchants under false pretenses in the past, Halftime Sports appears to be based in Texas.

According to the release from the school, other unauthorized companies that have previously misrepresented themselves as fundraisers for the school district include Adverteez, Victory Sports and A2Z Sports. The firm Adverteez denies it is part part of the scam and maintained it ha a legitimate contract with the school district.

Editor's Note: Story updated October 17, 2012 with response from Adverteez.