Highlands varsity band boosters are alarmed by a potential online scam targeting craft show registration fees, threatening the group’s earnings. Desirae Dunmire, the boosters’ vice president, mentioned receiving suspicious PayPal payment requests for the March 16 event, originating from non-affiliated addresses, despite the group not accepting electronic payments.
Harrison police are investigating the matter following a complaint filed on January 30, though the extent of financial loss remains uncertain. Dunmire advised individuals to conduct transactions in person with band officers, cautioning against online dealings.
The fraudulent emails demanded fees for table rental, electricity, early-bird privileges, and food truck applications, none of which align with the boosters’ practices. Dunmire expressed concerns about attendees being duped and the negative impact on the boosters’ reputation.
Typically drawing 75 vendors, the event supports marching band students, but phishing attempts began shortly after the boosters shared event details on social media. The boosters aim to alert potential victims and prevent financial losses through cooperation with law enforcement.