McNeese State University wants to alert businesses in the Lake Charles area about a scam involving a Texas company that is using the McNeese name to solicit advertising and T-shirt sales.

"Jam Sports Marketing, a Mansfield, Texas, company, is in no way affiliated with McNeese or authorized to perform any work on the university's behalf," Candace Townsend, McNeese director of public information and communications, said.

"We know that at least 14 businesses in Lake Charles and Sulphur have been contacted by this company. We are asking any area businesses that have been contacted about advertising their business on T-shirts to contact Lt. Jared Leblue with the McNeese Police Department," said Cinnamon Salvador, McNeese police chief. Leblue's phone number is 562-4110.

According Salvador, some businesses have been contacted about purchasing additional advertising and T-shirts.

McNeese is also working with the Collegiate Licensing Company to legally force Jam Sports Marketing to cease using the McNeese trademarks, Townsend said.

"McNeese State University's name and logo are trademarked and legally protected from unauthorized use. The Collegiate Licensing Company manages the McNeese trademark licensing program," Townsend said.