Two representatives from Citibank who were handing out fliers offering a free sub from Blimpie's called UNMPD on a student Wednesday.
The marketers, who refused to identify themselves, said Teddy Yates was harassing them, because he followed them around campus warning students their coupons were a scam.
Yates said he got a flier advertising a free sub at the Blimpie's at 1916 Central Ave. on Tuesday. When he went to get his free sub, he was told he was required to fill out a credit card application.
After Yates refused to fill out the application, he was denied the sandwich.
The fliers, offering a free sub at Blimpie's, have been circulating around campus for the past few days.
What the fliers don't mention is students who want a free sandwich have to apply for a credit card from Citibank first.
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The Citibank representatives at Blimpie's said they have been doing very well soliciting UNM students and getting them to apply for the card.
Yates said he recognized the guys from Blimpie's and approached them Wednesday.
He said he told them they were deceiving people. Yates began following the employees around and told students who took coupons there was no free sandwich unless they filled out a credit card application.
One of the marketers used an emergency pole to contact the UNMPD and file a report against Yates.
"They felt calling the police was a way to get rid of me, and the police said it was harassment," Yates said.
Both marketers refused to comment.
Susan Corban, assistant director of Student Activities, said credit card solicitors are not allowed on campus.
"If they come, we're chasing them off," Corban said.
When she heard about the fliers being handed out on campus, she said she would get them off campus.
She said UNM policy allows for special-event vending, such as Welcome Back Days, where departments can bring vendors to campus to raise money for their programs. Vendors pay fees to the department in order to sell their products on campus.
Since Louis Caldera became UNM President, all credit card marketers have been prohibited from soliciting on campus, said Pam Olson, associate professor at the College of Education.
She said before the prohibition, she was on a committee made up of Corban and student representatives from ASUNM and PIRG that educated students about credit cards.
Olson said the committee approved a resolution stating credit card solicitors were required to display the Fair Credit and Charge Card Disclosure Act of 1988, which requires that credit card issuers reveal a number of pricing details before the consumer signs up for the card.
"The purpose was not to ban them, but use their visit as a time to teach," she said.
During orientation, the University educates incoming students about credit card debt. Orientation leaders perform a skit about credit cards in cooperation with the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union on campus.
Rita Estevis, the credit union office assistant manager, said they do not push credit cards, because it is not necessary for students to have one.
She said when deciding to get a credit card, students should look at financing big purchase items, compare interest rates and then make their decision.
Tips for finding a credit card:
* Shop around and see what different financial institutions offer.
* Compare rates on credit cards.
* Work with a legitimate financial institution.
* Know that student credit cards generally have higher interest rates than others.
* Know that the credit card industry often puts out education materials, so they may be biased.
