The Cole County Commission is warning businesses of an advertising scam that is said to benefit the county, but it's not.
Commissioners have received complaints from local business owners who have received phone calls from people claiming to be calling on behalf of the county who are selling advertising on refrigerator magnets produced by a business called Premier Impressions.
The sales tactics are reportedly high pressure and the callers ask for credit card numbers.
"Cole County has not, and will never be, in the business of selling advertising or other goods or services," said Presiding Commissioner Marc Ellinger. "We want Cole County businesses and citizens to know these telephone solicitations are not on behalf of the county and these calls are a scam."
Businesses or citizens contacted by callers claiming to [provide services for Cole County can call the commission office at 634-9110.