Authorities warn of donation scam

ATWATER -- Merced County sheriff's investigators are warning the public about a money scam reported in the south Atwater area.

Investigators say scam artists are visiting businesses and residents, requesting donations for sporting events at Atwater High School and Buhach Colony High School. The scam artists tell their victim they'll receive a sports schedule for the donation, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman.

The pitch, however, is a hoax, MacKenzie said, adding that the money doesn't go to the high schools. The sports schedule the scam artists hand out is printed from the Internet.

MacKenzie said anyone who is approached by someone asking for a donation for a school event should directly contact the Chamber of Commerce or the high schools they claim to represent.

Detectives are asking anyone who has been approached by these individuals to call the sheriff's department at (209) 385-7444 or Atwater Police Department at (209) 357-6396.

Calls are kept confidential, and you can remain anonymous.

-- Victor A. Patton