Downey school district warns of phony solicitors

DOWNEY -- Teenagers are knocking on the doors of local homes and lying about collecting donations on behalf of local schools, the Downey Unified School District warned Wednesday. 

The phony solicitors go door-to-door and say they are fundraising for various clubs, music programs and sports teams, DUSD officials said. 

"Continued support from the Downey community is greatly appreciated and we would like it to continue, however, trust cannot be given to all those that say they are part of the Downey Unified family," school district officials said in a statement. "Please use caution as the school year continues as it is unfortunate that there are some fabricated cases occurring." 

Some school programs -- such as band -- legitimately fundraise by going door-to-door, but those students are always in their uniform or official T-shirt. 

Residents are encouraged to ask questions about the club or program students "because Downey Unified students are knowledgeable and very happy to speak freely about the program they are involved in." 

Anyone who encounters phony solicitors is asked to call the school in question.