Press Releases
03/21/2019
ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG ISSUES CONSUMER WARNING REGARDING SPORTS MEDIA ADVERTISING
Attorney General William Tong today warned consumers to avoid business with Texas-based Sports Media Advertising (SMA), which appears to be actively engaged in scams targeting Connecticut businesses and schools.
SMA is a Fort Worth, Texas-based business that has also been known as Boost Sports Integrative Media, LLC and High School Sports Advertising. The company allegedly targets particular communities by contacting local businesses claiming to be working with a local high school sports team to create various items such as tee shirts, cups, banners, etc., to promote their sports program. The businesses are offered "sponsorship" opportunities to have their logos displayed on these items, together with the school logo, for a price of $300-$1,000. The high schools reportedly know nothing about this arrangement and do not receive any of the money.
The Office of the Attorney General is actively investigating the allegations.
"This company appears to be shamelessly bilking money from Connecticut businesses by preying on well-intentioned community support for our student athletes. My office is investigating these allegations and is prepared to take strong legal action against this company. If you are aware of attempts by Sports Media Advertising to target your business or school, I want to hear from you," said Attorney General William Tong.
The Office of the Attorney General was contacted earlier this month by the Vernon Police Department regarding such a scam involving Rockville High School and a local Vernon business. The alleged fraud was detected when the business accidentally sent a $1,000 check intended for SMA directly to the school. The school had no arrangement with SMA, but received an unsolicited package of 25 low-quality t-shirts with misspelled school and business logos.
If you have been a victim of such a scam, or have information on potentially illegal actions by SMA, please file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General by clicking here or calling 860-808-5318.
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Blake and Consumer Protection Department Head Mike Wertheimer are assisting the Attorney General with this matter.
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Media Contact:
Elizabeth Benton
elizabeth.benton@ct.gov
860-808-5324 (office)
Consumer Inquiries:
860-808-5318
attorney.general@ct.gov