Update (11:00 a.m.)
VERSAILLES – School administrators at South Ripley say they have received two invoices for purchases they never made.
The invoices came from “Scholastic School Supply” in the amount of approximately $600. The elementary school received a fake invoice and also the administrator’s office.
School personnel say they did not fall for the collection attempt as they verify every invoice they receive.
South Ripley received an email from the Scholastic, Inc., saying they are not affiliated with the company that bears a similar name.
Area school administrators are encouraged to keep an eye out for the bogus invoices.
First Report (5:30 a.m.)
BATESVILLE – Local school districts are being warned about fake invoices after the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received a rush of complaints from across the country.
The BBB has received complaints from schools in 27 states that allege a company named “Scholastic School Supply” sent an invoice charging for supplies the school did not purchase.
The scam is believed to not be affiliated with Scholastic, Inc.
School administrators are asked to watch for bogus invoices in the amount of $647.50 for the bulk purchase of “English-Language Arts Practice Books” or $388.50 for math workbooks.
Complainants say they are unable to reach the company to inquire about the products or amounts allegedly owed, and all have denied ever doing business with the company previously
The BBB has received more than 3,000 inquiries about the invoices.
School districts in the Cincinnati area have not reported receiving such invoices to date. If they do, they are encouraged to contact BBB, the Federal Trade Commission, as well as their respective State Attorney General Office.
