Protecting Student Efforts: Stopping a Fundraiser Scam

The Fundraiser

Ms. Rodriguez's 5th grade class was excited about their "Technology for Learning" fundraiser through a company promising:

• 50% profit margin
• Premium products
• Easy online platform
• Quick payment to school

The Investigation

Before collecting orders, Ms. Rodriguez:

1. Searched the company on Quiet-Report
2. Found 8 reports from other schools
3. Discovered identical promises, different company names
4. Saw complaints about non-delivery and non-payment

The Warning Signs

1. Company had no physical address
2. Phone number disconnected after initial call
3. Products not available for sample
4. Pressure to start immediately

The Prevention

Ms. Rodriguez:

1. Canceled Fundraiser: Before collecting any money
2. Alerted District: Warned other schools
3. Found Legitimate Partner: Through our verified vendor list
4. Educated Students: Turned it into a fraud prevention lesson

The Impact

• Financial Protected: Estimated $8,000 in student collections
• Educational Value: Students learned real-world scam prevention
• District Safety: 12 other schools avoided same scam
• Policy Change: New fundraiser vetting procedures

School Resources Developed

1. Fundraiser Vetting Checklist: For all school activities
2. Student Education Materials: Age-appropriate fraud prevention
3. Parent Communication Templates: How to spot fundraising scams
4. Verified Vendor Database: Pre-screened legitimate companies