"Operation False Charity" Law Enforcement Sweep
Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto announced today that Nevada has joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other Attorneys General in a national effort to fight fundraising fraud.
"Operation False Charity" is a federal-state crackdown on fraudulent charitable solicitors nationwide, particularly those misrepresenting their affiliation with law enforcement and veterans groups. The effort is a joint law enforcement and public education campaign. The sweep has led to the filing of law enforcement actions nationwide, and is being coupled with the release of new educational materials to help consumers recognize and avoid charitable solicitation fraud.
"These are particularly egregious scams because they prey on the people's generosity and the good will of donors," said Attorney General Masto. "Charitable contributions are an important public resource, but the public must be able to trust that their donations will be used as represented."
The cases announced today include actions against several defendants who tricked consumers into giving by deceptively claiming they were affiliated with law enforcement or veterans groups or misleading consumers about how much of the money would go to those groups. The defendants used names like Coalition of Police and Sheriffs, Inc, Disabled Firefighters Fund, and American Veterans Foundation to give their sham organizations a veneer of credibility. The real goal, however, was to trick consumers into contributing money that they kept for themselves.
While many legitimate charities are soliciting donations, some are operators whose only purpose is to make money for themselves and others are paid fundraisers whose fees take most of the donated money.
Consumers are warned to follow some basic guidelines to ensure their donations go to a legitimate charity.
– Recognize that the words "veterans" or "military families" in an organization's name don't necessarily mean that veterans or the families of active-duty personnel will benefit from your donation.
– Donate to charities with a track record and a history. Charities that spring up overnight may disappear just as quickly.
– If you have any doubt about whether you've made a pledge or a contribution, check your records. If you don't remember making the donation or pledge resist the pressure to give.
– Check out an organization before donating. Some phony charities use names, seals and logos that look or sound like those of respected, legitimate organizations.
– Call the office that regulates charitable organizations to see whether the charity or fundraising organization has to be registered in your state.
– Do not send or give cash donations. For security and tax record purposes, it's best to pay by check made payable to the charity.
– Ask for a receipt showing the amount of your contribution.
– Be wary of promises of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. You never have to give a donation to be eligible to win a sweepstakes.
If you would like further information, please call the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection in Las Vegas at (702) 486-3420; or in Carson City at (775) 684-1180.
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