Jefferson City, Mo. – The Cole County Health Department has received reports that a person or persons has contacted businesses and falsely represented themselves as employees of the health department in attempts to sell breast cancer awareness t-shirts and advertisement space in the health department newsletter for $195.00.

Businesses and the public should be aware that the Cole County Health Department does not sell t-shirts or other items, nor does the health department publish a newsletter. The Cole County Health Department operates a website and Facebook page, both of which provide health updates and emergency alerts to county residents for free.

As always, people should take precautions when giving out personal or business financial information unless you are extremely confident of the source to whom you are providing the information.

If a business or individual has already provided financial information in relation to this scam please contact the Cole County Sheriff’s Department at (573) 634-9160.