Scammers pose as Thompson Center supporters
MU’s Thompson Center is warning the community of a scam that is going around that claims the proceeds are going to the center’s research facility.
MU’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders confirms that people are illegally going door to door selling magazine subscriptions saying it’s all to benefit children with autism at the center.
The Thompson Center says they heard of some speculation about a month ago of the potential scam and today, the center got it confirmed.
Salesmen going door to door, isn’t a stranger to neighborhoods in Mid- Missouri. Salesmen pitching to potential buyers that the money that is spent on subscriptions that will go to a good cause.
The Thompson Center however denies this way of fundraising. “We got a phone call from a person who subscribed to the magazine. They gave us a call asking if it was legitimate and we don’t that person, we don’t fund raise that way.”
The Thompson Center says when they first got the call from the subscriber, they were shocked. Stephen Kanne, Executive Director of the facility said, “it kind of took us by surprise to be honest with you. Why would people be going around using our name and preying upon people to use to solicit money and keeping it for themselves.”
The Thompson Center wants to advise the community to not accept any kind of sale from an individual who is trying to sell products on behalf of the facility. If you do wish to donate, you can go onto the centers website.
Some other helpful ways to avoid scammers, is to ask where they are from, get the details in form of a contract, and to always verify with the better business bureau if the business seems suspicious.
