E-Mail Hoax Has Shoe Firm Fit to Be Tied
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BEAVERTON, Ore. — Athletic shoe giant Nike said Friday that it has been flooded with hundreds of pairs of worn-out shoes because of a hoax e-mail chain letter promising a free pair of Nike shoes in exchange for old ones.
“We do not condone these e-mail hoaxes and are dismayed that well-intentioned people are being duped,” said Nike spokesman Scott Reams.
The Internet chain letter with the headline “FREE NIKE SHOES!!!” says the company makes fields and playgrounds for underprivileged youngsters from old athletic shoes.
“All you have to do is send in your old tennis shoes, no matter what they look like, with a piece of paper that has your name and address on it, and Nike will send you a brand new pair back free from cost!!!” it says.
Reams said Nike does have a recycling program in which old shoes are ground up and used to build tracks and playgrounds, but the company has never offered new shoes in return.
He said the company is offering to return the used shoes to victims of the hoax. Those not returned will be recycled.
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