Reno Rodeo Foundation Warns of Scam

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Reno (Nev.) Rodeo Foundation is warning the public about scammers using its name to ask for donations.

Clara Andriola, executive director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation spoke to the PRCA media department about the issue Thursday afternoon.

“It’s come to our attention that there may be scammers using the Reno Rodeo Foundation name to fraudulently solicit donations,” Andriola said. “We want the community to know that the Foundation does not, and will not, make calls asking for donations. We do appreciate donations, and the money that’s donated goes to the kids in our community, but to be secure about making a donation, we use a secure website, or they can contact me by phone or email.

“That’s what I would do if anyone is interested in making a donation, they have some comfort knowing those are the best ways to make a donation.”

The secure website address is www.renorodeofoundation.org. To get in touch with Andriola by phone, call 775.322.9875 or contact her via email at info@renorodeofoundation.org.

Andriola said the Reno Rodeo Foundation was alerted of the scam by one of the Foundation’s board members who received a phone call from a suspicious person March 8 who was asking for donations on behalf of the Reno Rodeo Foundation.

“The board member knew we don’t cold call people,” Andriola said. “We do raise funds based on campaigns, but we don’t just call people out of the blue like that. I contacted the attorney general’s office, all law enforcement agencies and a complaint was filed with the Federal Trade Commission, as well.”

Formed in 1986, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has been making a difference to children and families in Northern Nevada for over 31 years. The 2017 Reno Rodeo takes place June 15-24.

Courtesy of PRCA