The Better Business Bureau is alerting school districts across northern Illinois about a billing scam. Nevada-based “Scholastic School Supply” allegedly sent false invoices that billed districts hundreds of dollars for text books that were never requested or received.
According to a news release, information from the BBB serving Southern Nevada finds they received 51 complaints from throughout the country, as well as nearly 2,400 inquiries regarding this scam operation. The Nevada BBB says that complaints continue to rise in increments of as many as 15 per day.
The BBB says school districts should be aware that the contact information found on the invoices includes an email address which consumers report when contacted no responses are received, a phone number which routes to a series of voice mail boxes, and mail drop address in Sewell, New Jersey or Las Vegas. Although “Scholastic School Supply” lists addresses in those locations on it invoices, the BBB has been unable to locate any corporation filings, business licenses, or any other business entity documentation for it in either of those states.
Districts are urged not to pay the invoice, but to instead file a complaint with the BBB at www.bbb.org. They can also contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877.382.4357 or www.ftc.gov. as well as contact their local postal inspector.
