Scammers targeting Best of Sumter winners, nominees with paid awards, trophies

Our staff at The Sumter Item has been informed that a fraudulent company has been contacting some local Best of Sumter 2021 nominees and winners. These fraudulent companies, at least one of which mentions the “Sumter Award Program,” attempt to sell plaques or trophies to local Sumter-based companies.

The Sumter Item does not sell awards; Every winner receives a free framed certificate and window cling, and all 338 winners are listed in the annual Best of Sumter magazine, which was released for the first time on Saturday in the May 1-3 Weekend Edition newspaper.

Furthermore, only our Item sales representatives have contacted winners.

If you have any questions about the legitimacy of someone reaching out to you, contact your Sumter Item sales representative – Karen Cave (karen@theitem.com), Mark Pekuri (mark@theitem.com) or Devin McDonald (devin@theitem.com). You can also email marketing@theitem.com.