A promotions company is trying to take advantage of DeLand businesses by claiming the company is associated with sports at Stetson University, an official said Tuesday.
Debra Lamb opened a shoe boutique in downtown DeLand about a year ago. Months after opening, her phone started ringing with calls from a company called Hart Media. A representative was trying to sell her advertising in connection with Stetson University.
"So, he got a little belligerent with me over the phone, and I just thought, I'm not going to give you my advertising dollars," Lamb said. "And I think, Why would they be so rude?"
The company told Lamb that they were affiliated with Stetson University Athletics.
Jeff Higgins, the athletics director at Stetson University, said the school has no affiliation with Hart Media. The university's legal team contacted Hart Media and asked them to stop contacting local businesses like the one Lamb owns, Higgins said.
"Cease and desist and get those businesses made whole for any money they may have spent with the company," Higgins said.
Lamb said it seems like somebody wants to personally benefit as opposed to helping other organizations, such as Stetson Athletics.
Higgins said the school is reaching out to the business community to try and put a stop to the misrepresentations. He said companies are trying to take advantage of Stetson’s growing popularity.
"Growth in the athletics department with the return of football," Higgins said. "And those are very positive things for the university and for the community. It's unfortunate that someone would try to take advantage of the situation."
Higgins said the school has not heard back from Hart Media, but Lamb said calls from the promotions company have stopped.
News 13 called Kentucky-based Hart Media Inc., but a recording came on and indicated the number listed was no longer a working number.