The Watertown Police Department received a call from Trey Campbell, APR, Director of
Communications at Southwestern Advantage. There are two female International students from
Estonia who are participating in a summer sales program in the community selling an educational
learning system to families. These students have checked in with the local police.
The Watertown Police Department would like to inform you that we do not suspect anything suspicious or illegal with these females. However, we would also like to stress that you should always be cautious when letting individuals enter your homes and to always be cautious and alert to any scams. We have included information regarding these females, the program and some links for you to view.
This is the information received from Trey Campbell. His contact information is below:
Contrary to a Facebook post that is growing in the number of shares, they are not child abductors and have not done anything illegal. The students are Kaisa Tamvere and Kullike Tint. This is their first time to America and to experience first-hand American entrepreneurialism. This program was
established in 1868 and is offered by Southwestern Advantage in Nashville, TN (www.southwesternadvantage). Each summer, over 2,200 college and university students participate
to help offset their educational expenses and service families with their educational needs in the home– including students from South Dakota who are in another state. Southwestern Advantage is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau and maintains an A+ rating
(http://www.bbb.org/nashville/business-reviews/publishers-book/southwestern-advantage-in-nashvilletn-10392).
The International students who are participating are working not only to pay for college, but also to gain valuable resume experience in the United States and to learn American culture and
entrepreneurialism.
Both of these young ladies and others like her around the country have been the victim of a false, defaming Facebook rumors saying college students selling educational products are a front for a human trafficking ring. This is absolutely false. It was started in the Tulsa, OK area and has spread through several states – since Facebook knows no borders.
Here are a few links to provide legitimacy that this is an out-of-control rumor.
OK Bureau of Narcotics: https://www.facebook.com/OBNDD/posts/378697885564621
Fox 4 – Kansas City: http://fox4kc.com/2013/08/07/company-sets-the-record-straight-amid-kidnappingrumors/
Winona, MN: http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/article_630229da-ff0d-11e2-a56d-
0019bb2963f4.html
Truckers Against Trafficking Retraction:
https://www.facebook.com/TruckersAgainstTrafficking/posts/624262460917229
Fox 10 News AZ: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/23034522/2013/08/02/facebook-post-accusessaleswomen-of-recruiting-sex-slaves
Tulsa, OK News: http://www.newson6.com/story/22797670/online-claims-of-human-traffickers-goingdoor-to-door-in-ba-unfounded
Lawton, OK News 7: http://www.kswo.com/story/22846968/lawton-police-book-solicitors-are-legitimate
Trey Campbell, APR
Director of Communications
Southwestern Advantage
2451 Atrium Way / Nashville, TN / 37214
Phone: 615.391.2801 / 888.602.7867
E-mail: trey.campbell@southwestern.com
Website: www.southwesternadvantage.com