Ad-selling scam claims
false link to UH sports
Honolulu police are warning local businesses about an advertising solicitation scheme that fraudulently uses the name of the University of Hawaii basketball team to approach vendors.
A letter sent out to vendors offers to sell them an ad in the 2003 UH basketball program for anywhere between $4,350 for a full-page ad to $495 for a sixteenth of a page.
The letter is signed by "John Chris," who is identified as an ad sales director for University Sports Publications with a Kapahulu Avenue address. The letterhead states "University of Hawaii, Official Basketball Program."
Police said they were not sure how long this solicitation had been in circulation, as UH officials were notified about the letter only on Thursday.
"We were contacted by one of our vendors asking us what affiliation we had," said Lois Manin, UH director of sports media relations. "I read it and it was suspicious."
Carolyn Tanaka, of University Relations, said administration contacted police yesterday once they determined that the university was not involved.
"It was obvious that this solicitation had nothing to do with UH at all," Tanaka said.
Police said their phone calls to the number listed on the letter have gone unanswered. Police said that, besides the letter, there also have been several phone solicitations made to vendors involving the same offer.
Police said they have not received word that any vendors have actually given money to buy ad space related to this case.
Anyone with any information about similar letters or phone call solicitations are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.
