Attorney General's News Release

April 27, 1998

Nixon says college-bound high school seniors should beware of mailings selling "Campus Card" ID

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon today warned college-bound high school seniors and their parents to beware of a mail solicitation selling an ID called the "Campus Card" for $25.

The letter from the National College Registration Board in Princeton, N.J., informs parents that the Campus Card is "issued to all registered college students" and "is required for many services and purchasing privileges at whichever college or university your student chooses to attend."

The Campus Card letter also implies a sense of urgency in returning the registration and fee by May 15 in order to receive the card before school begins in the fall.

"There are many necessary purchases that seniors headed for college need to make, but the Campus Card is not one of them," Nixon said. "In fact, we have been informed by various Missouri universities that they do not recognize the Campus Card. The college or university you will be attending can tell you if incoming freshmen need any other student IDs besides the one issued by them."

Nixon added that many of the student discounts touted for the Campus Card would be available to any student who presents a college ID.

The National Association of College and University Business Officers, one of the "member associations" listed by the National College Registration Board, has issued its own news release saying its name was used without permission and disavowing any association with the board.

"Call your college admissions office if you have questions about what items you will need to obtain prior to enrolling," Nixon advised. "Don't be taken in by offers of products that will do you little or no good."

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818