They’re at it again.
Solicitors trying to sell newspaper and magazine subscriptions in the Antelope Valley are falsely claiming to be officially affiliated with Antelope Valley College.
College officials have received reports from community members questioning whether door-to-door sales representatives are endorsed by the college.
Each spring for the last five years, the college has received reports and inquiries about the solicitors. The solicitors work door-to-door and have also been approaching people at shopping centers.
“Residents are told this is a program to help the solicitors with their tuition or to support a college program. However, Antelope Valley College is not affiliated with such a fundraising program, nor do we send students soliciting door-to-door” said Steve Standerfer, director of public and governmental relations.
In one recent incident in Lancaster, a solicitor in front of a grocery store approached a college employee. The solicitor claimed he was an Antelope Valley College student raising money for the student newspaper. When the solicitor was challenged as to the truthfulness of his story, he quickly changed his story saying he was a College of the Canyons student.
Residents in the Santa Clarita area have been plagued by the same scam.
“There are legitimate opportunities to support our college and its students through the AVC Foundation. We do not send students soliciting through neighborhoods. These solicitors are trying to use the good name of AVC to earn money,” said Standerfer.
Any AVC students claiming to represent the college in such solicitations will face disciplinary action.
“It’s a violation of AVC’s Student Code of Conduct to misrepresent oneself as a student authorized by Antelope Valley College to solicit donations from the community,” said Standerfer.
People are advised to not give money to strangers soliciting money for AVC. Residents can report problems by calling the college, (661) 722-6300, ext. 6303.
