Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFree pitas come with a catch
By Ali Pickering
Posted: 9/23/07, 11:46 PM EST Section: News
Stomachs lurched last week when flyers advertising free pitas were handed out around campus.
Several men were seen distributing the ads for a free pita from local Marshall Street business Pita Pit in front of the Schine Student Center and nearby walkways.
But hungry and hopeful students were soon disappointed when they discovered that to receive free food, they had to fill out an application to receive a Citibank credit card.
Though the handouts said nothing about credit cards, what students encountered was a promotion for the Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa Card, a credit card geared toward college students.
"It was someone doing something on (university) property, and they were unauthorized," said Matthew Snyder, director of communications and media relations for the Office of Student Affairs. "It was brought to the attention of DPS, they were asked to leave and they did. It didn't cause any huge problems as far as I know."
The Department of Public Safety was called Wednesday afternoon to ask the promoters to leave, which they did without argument, Snyder said.
Snyder said SU policy prohibits advertising or marketing credit cards on campus. This policy also bans gift-giving in exchange for credit card applications. Snyder said those handing out flyers on campus were not approved to do so by the school.
The connection between Pita Pit and Citi is arbitrary. Citi chose a popular local business and used the name to attract students.
The Citi representatives who collected students' information outside of the Pita Pit refused to comment on the campaign.
"We are not affiliated with the bank," said Pita Pit manager Sherry Holmes. "We don't even know what exactly they're filling out for outside."
The promotion has been done in the past and there has never been a legal problem, Holmes said. As in past years, Citi came to the local business and asked to use the Pita Pit in their campaign.
According to a flyer handed out at the booth, which was located directly in front of Pita Pit for three days, this card boasts benefits such as "points for a good GPA" and "VIP passes to mtvU's Spring Break."
Several men were seen distributing the ads for a free pita from local Marshall Street business Pita Pit in front of the Schine Student Center and nearby walkways.
But hungry and hopeful students were soon disappointed when they discovered that to receive free food, they had to fill out an application to receive a Citibank credit card.
Though the handouts said nothing about credit cards, what students encountered was a promotion for the Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa Card, a credit card geared toward college students.
"It was someone doing something on (university) property, and they were unauthorized," said Matthew Snyder, director of communications and media relations for the Office of Student Affairs. "It was brought to the attention of DPS, they were asked to leave and they did. It didn't cause any huge problems as far as I know."
The Department of Public Safety was called Wednesday afternoon to ask the promoters to leave, which they did without argument, Snyder said.
Snyder said SU policy prohibits advertising or marketing credit cards on campus. This policy also bans gift-giving in exchange for credit card applications. Snyder said those handing out flyers on campus were not approved to do so by the school.
The connection between Pita Pit and Citi is arbitrary. Citi chose a popular local business and used the name to attract students.
The Citi representatives who collected students' information outside of the Pita Pit refused to comment on the campaign.
"We are not affiliated with the bank," said Pita Pit manager Sherry Holmes. "We don't even know what exactly they're filling out for outside."
The promotion has been done in the past and there has never been a legal problem, Holmes said. As in past years, Citi came to the local business and asked to use the Pita Pit in their campaign.
According to a flyer handed out at the booth, which was located directly in front of Pita Pit for three days, this card boasts benefits such as "points for a good GPA" and "VIP passes to mtvU's Spring Break."
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Andrea Rabbia
posted 9/24/07 @ 9:08 AM EST
How ironic that at the bottom of this article is a paid advertisement from Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa Card!
A Beilman
posted 9/24/07 @ 11:53 AM EST
I got a kick out of reading this. I actually hung it on my wall, despite the fact that I sound like a fatass in my quotes.
Also ironic - next to the article in the DO is an ad for Pita Pit. (Continued…)
Chase
posted 9/24/07 @ 2:12 PM EST
I wonder why identity theft is so high among college students.....your identity for a free pita sweet.
Ted Cahoon
posted 9/24/07 @ 4:14 PM EST
Ali on THE FRONT PAGE! A most well written report on the deceptive means credit card companies are using to take advantage of vulnerable, and hungry, college students. (Continued…)
Post a Comment