PARKERSBURG -West Virginia University at Parkersburg is advising local residents of a possible door-to-door scam.
Katie Wootton, director of marketing and communications, said the university received multiple complaints from local residents regarding alleged students soliciting donations.
"The complaints all had a similar story," she said. "The stories don't add up."
According to the complaints, two females knocked on doors of city residents, usually after dark, to ask for monetary donations for a charitable organization affiliated with the university. Officials said the individuals claim to be collecting funds as part of a WVU-P economics class assignment, claiming to be competing against other students to raise money.
Wootton said the females have changed the name of the professor teaching the course after approaching each new resident.
"The only employee we have with (the last name given) doesn't teach an economics class," she said.
Wootton said the academic affairs office has looked into the complaints.
"Our academic affairs office and campus police have thoroughly investigated the reported incidents and have concluded that the solicitation efforts are not affiliated with WVU-Parkersburg in any way," said Wootton.
Campus officials advise residents to report any related incidents or suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency.
