-Editorial
The City of El Centro is warning local businesses and organizations about an unauthorized advertising solicitation that references the El Centro Library.
According to the city, a local business recently received a $500 invoice seeking payment for advertising on grocery or tote bags allegedly associated with the library. Neither the City of El Centro nor the El Centro Library requested, authorized, sponsored, or participated in the advertising program.
The city said the solicitation may involve businesses being contacted by phone and asked to purchase advertising space or make payments based on an alleged connection to the library. Businesses and organizations are being cautioned to be alert to similar calls, invoices, or other requests.
The warning comes as local businesses may be approached by individuals or companies using the names of public agencies, libraries or other community institutions to make an advertising solicitation appear legitimate. In this case, the El Centro Library has no involvement in the advertising program described in the invoice.
Businesses that receive a similar solicitation are advised not to make payments or provide financial information until the request has been independently verified. Businesses are also encouraged to review invoices carefully and avoid relying solely on information provided by the person or company making the solicitation.
The city recommends contacting the City of El Centro directly to verify any advertising request, invoice, or solicitation that claims to be affiliated with the city or the El Centro Library. Businesses should confirm that the city or library has authorized the program before providing payment or financial information.
Under California law, non-governmental entities that falsely claim or imply an affiliation with a municipal government face criminal charges and severe financial penalties under state false advertising statutes. Violators of California Business and Professions Code Section 17533.6—which prohibits the unauthorized use of city seals, logos, official seals, or misleading language like “department” or “official notice”—can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Convictions carry up to six months in county jail, a criminal fine of up to $2,500 per violation, or both. To avoid prosecution, private solicitors must include large, bold, and conspicuous disclosures clarifying that the solicitation is an advertisement not endorsed by any government agency. Public prosecutors, including the California attorney general, local district attorneys, and city attorneys, can also seek civil remedies and injunctive relief against deceptive advertisers.
Courts may impose civil penalties up to $2,500 per unauthorized solicitation, with willful violations of court injunctions triggering additional fines of up to $6,000 per occurrence. Furthermore, consumers and local businesses defrauded by misleading solicitations are entitled to seek court-ordered restitution as well as treble damages, recovering up to three times the total amount solicited.
