Public health officials warn Northeast Georgia businesses of sponsorship scam

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — District 2 Public Health is warning businesses about a telephone scam involving fraudulent sponsorship requests.

The scam has been reported in White County, where businesses and chamber members have received calls from people claiming to represent the local chamber. The callers are requesting $500 sponsorships for tote bags purportedly benefiting the White County Health Department.

Officials said neither the chamber nor the White County Health Department is soliciting sponsorships for tote bags.

Although the scam has currently been reported only in White County, officials are urging businesses throughout District 2 Public Health’s service area to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited requests for sponsorships, donations or payments. The District includes Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties.

Businesses should not provide payment, banking, credit card or other financial information to anyone making such a request.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up and contact the organization the caller claims to represent using a verified telephone number. Contact information for health departments within District 2 is available at phdistrict2.org.