Marketing scam targets Iowa City businesses

Multiple Iowa City area businesses have been hit by a marketing scam, Iowa City police said Friday.

A man identified as Tony Phiathep, who said he was with Blitz Marketing, would promise businesses that he would place their company name on the back of T-shirts that were to be given out at West High and City High football games this season, police said. The businesses also were to receive exclusive audio commercials over the loud speakers before, during and after the games.

Phiathep is not in police custody, Sgt. Denise Brotherton said.

Phiathep would call the businesses before meeting with them and would often put together detailed invoices and marketing proposals for their review, police said.

Police have confirmed with the Iowa City school district that none of its schools has any affiliations with Phiathep or Blitz Marketing. School officials also said the commercials and T-shirts do not exist.

The Police Department is asking that any business that has been a victim of this theft and has not contacted the police to call Detective D.J. Steva at (319) 356-5284.

Police are not releasing any other information about the scam, suspect or businesses involved at this time.