UPD investigates possible scam

Gockel+Hall%2C+an+apartment+style+dorm+on+Missouri+Southern+campus%2C+was+the+main+target+for+recent+on+campus+scams.+Students+claimed+to+be+selling+magazine+subscriptions+in+order+to+raise+money+for+various+causes.+Photo+taken+on+Wednesday%2C+January+28.

Molly Schons/The Chart

Gockel Hall, an apartment style dorm on Missouri Southern campus, was the main target for recent on campus scams. Students claimed to be selling magazine subscriptions in order to raise money for various causes. Photo taken on Wednesday, January 28.

Students living in Southern’s residence halls need to watch out for strangers asking for money, even if it sounds like it is a donation to a good cause.

In the last week, two students reported a possible scam to University police.

Southern Police Chief Ken Kennedy said incident and police reports have been filed.

“Two females were approached at Gockel Hall by two males saying they were selling subscriptions to magazines for troops overseas,” Kennedy said. “The suspects were using pressure selling, compelling the females to give them money.”

One of the suspects in the case is described as a short Hispanic male and the other a taller Caucasian male with bleached blond hair.

“If someone is approached in this manner or has information about this case, call the University Police at 626-2222 immediately,” Kennedy said.

Josh Doak, residence life director of housing, is also aware of the incident.

“I am aware of one case that happened this past week,” Doak said. “We do not allow solicitors on the residence hall side of campus. If a student is approached, it is best to say no thank you and contact University Police or residence hall staff.”

According to the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, it is unlawful to engage in “deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, misrepresentation, unfair practice or the concealment, suppression, or omission of any material fact in connection with the sale or advertisement of any merchandise in trade or commerce.” Effective January 1, 2017, a violation of the act can carry up to a Class D Felony as a penalty.

The students who reported the scam were not available for comment as of press time.