Nebraska company perpetrates scam using SPASH athletics

Metro Wire Staff

Stevens Point police are reporting that scammers are illegally representing SPASH athletics in an attempt to obtain banking information.

According to a press release from SPPD, a company calling itself Published by Sports Media, with a return address of 7914 W. Dodge Rd. #348 in Omaha, Neb., has been contacting local businesses and attempting to solicit funds for the purpose of advertising with SPASH Athletics.

A number of local companies have been contacted, according to Sgt. Bob Kussow, offering advertising opportunities for the upcoming football season. One company was even offered app-building services if they participated in the advertising, Kussow said.

In most cases, Kussow said credit card information was requested over the phone by Published by Sports Media, which is something SPASH Athletics wouldn’t do.

Some business owners reported attempting to contact the company via email or phone, but messages went unanswered, he added.

“One person got suspicious and started asking questions, and the caller hung up on them,” Kussow said. “That’s when they contacted SPASH.”

So far, no money has been lost to the scam, Kussow said, but police want to ensure the public is aware of the situation.

Bonnie Bronk from SPASH Athletics said the company is not affiliated with the Stevens Point Area High School in any way, adding no personal or business information should be turned over to them.

Anyone with questions should contact Bronk in the SPASH athletic office at 715-345-7309.