`Cosmopolitan' fake

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by Vikki Otero

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Several female Rice students have recently been contacted by a man claiming to be a representative of Cosmopolitan magazine, who then proceeded to ask them graphic questions.

According to an e-mail message sent out by the Campus Police, they "have received word that a series of calls have been made to members of the Rice Community by callers identifying themselves as associated with Cosmopolitan magazine. The caller(s) have invited persons for photo sessions and then attempted to conduct a sex survey."

A Baker College woman, who asked to remain anonymous, reported that two weeks ago her room received a telephone call from a man who claimed to be a representative from Cosmopolitan . He said he wanted her to answer a three-part survey. The first part of the survey involved clothes and fashion.

He also asked her if she had ever considered modeling and told her that Cosmopolitan had a special arrangement for college students in which it would send a photographer to a woman's dorm room to compile a free portfolio. If the magazine liked her portfolio, he said it would refer her to a professional studio.

The Baker woman responded that she did not want to be photographed in her room. She said that the man sounded very convincing in his act.

The third part of the survey included personal questions about the woman's sex life.

The man had called the woman's room before and spoken to both of her roommates. The most recent call they received was on Feb. 20. They contacted the Campus Police who advised them to hang up the telephone if the man called again, since they did not have Caller ID or any other way to trace the call.

Other Baker women have also reported that they have been called by a man claiming to be a representative of Cosmopolitan .

Calls have also been reported at Hanszen College and Sid Richardson College. Last year several Brown College women received similar calls. Some women report that the man has asked for them by name.

The Baker woman has contacted Cosmopolitan magazine and verified that they do not have a representative calling to ask questions of this nature. Any woman receiving calls is advised to hang up immediately and contact the Campus Police.

This item appeared in the News section of the February 23, 1996 issue.

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