Local businesses should proceed with caution if they receive invoices soliciting payment for advertisement in a Flathead High School spring sports poster.

Invoices are circulating under the title “Re: Flathead High School 2015 Spring Sports Poster,” with an address for Sports Media in Salt Lake City and a phone number that begins with “1-888.”

Flathead High School is not affiliated with Sports Media and did not send the invoices, Activities Director Assistant Marsha Wilson said. 

One of the invoices was sent to a Kalispell law firm, which alerted Flathead staff. The invoice stated that the firm had “an outstanding balance of $149.00 on your account, for the sponsor advertising.”

This is not the first time an invoice from Sports Media has been sent to local businesses. Past invoices have listed addresses in Connecticut and Idaho.

“They keep coming back,” Wilson said, usually before each sports season. “A few years ago I tried calling them. They hang up when I say I’m from Flathead.”

The Daily Inter Lake was unable to reach a representative of Sports Media by the phone number listed on the invoice. 

The hope is that the potentially fraudulent invoices do not affect partnerships with area businesses for legitimate advertising or sponsorship.

“I know people have paid them [Sports Media] and get nothing out of it,” Wilson said.

Wilson emphasized that any advertising or sponsorship requests should come directly from a Flathead or Glacier high school staff member — not outside companies — and that contact information should be local. 

Anyone receiving the invoice is advised not to supply personal information and contact Wilson at 751-3475.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].