Fraudulent Vetrans Charities: Just received the below release from the National Guard and wanted to make sure you all saw it. Have a great weekend. MEDIA ADVISORY FOR RELEASE WV National Guard Release No. 12-16 Public Affairs Office March 23, 2012 (304) 561-6762 Fraudulent solicitation for military organization CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia National Guard officials have been notified of an individual asking for monetary donations from local residents and businesses. The supposed purpose of these donations is to purchase calling cards for military members serving overseas. At this time, it is our belief that this solicitation is an attempt to defraud local residents and businesses. If you are contacted by this individual, we encourage you to not give him any money. If you are concerned about the validity of any individual or organization attempting to collect donations for military means, please contact the West Virginia National Guard Family Programs Office, 304-561-6380. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Attorney General McGraw Announces Law Enforcement Sweep to Combat Charity Fraud; Operation False Charity. Attorney General Darrell McGraw has joined the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement officials from 48 states and the District of Columbia in a nationwide, federal-state crackdown on fraudulent charities. In "Operation False Charity," state and federal officials announced a series of enforcement actions against fund-raising operations that solicit donations from consumers by falsely claiming proceeds will be used to assist police, firefighters, and veterans. The agencies also released new education materials to help consumers recognize and avoid charitable solicitation fraud. As part of Operation False Charity, McGraw announced a settlement with Community Support, Inc. (CSI), a Milwaukee based professional solicitor who agreed to resolve complaints of widespread frauds in its solicitations from consumers. The agreement settles allegations that CSI obtained money by falsely claiming contributions would benefit organizations near to where donors live, and rented post office boxes near the donors’ communities to suggest a local presence. Although CSI kept 83% to 90% of every contribution, complaints filed in many states allege that the company told consumers that 100% of their money would go to charitable programs. The settlement permanently enjoins the company from engaging in fraudulent solicitation practices and provides for $200,000 in civil penalties for the 32 states involved in negotiating the agreement. McGraw also announced his agreement with I Glo Workshop, Inc. (I Glo), a Phoenix, Arizona telemarketing company that sold household goods by representing that a portion of the purchase price would be used to support people with disabilities, including veterans. When donors failed to pay, I Glo reported the accounts to a collection agency. Under the terms of the agreement, the company agreed to refrain from telemarketing in West Virginia until it complies with state charity and telemarketing laws, as well as pay restitution to consumers. Attorney General McGraw also informed consumers about a new FTC alert providing tips about charities soliciting donations on behalf of veterans and military families. The FTC alert is posted at http://www.ftc.gov/charityfraud, and advises help consumers on how they can ensure their donations go to a legitimate charity: • 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. • Many fake charities falsely claim you have given them a donation in the past. If you have any doubt about such a claim, check your records and 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 West Virginia Secretary of State’s office to see whether the charity or fund-raising 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. The following websites are good resources to check out legitimate charities: *www.nasconet.org *www.guidestar.org *www.bbb.us/charity *www.charitynavigator.org *www.charitywatch.org If you think you have been the victim of fraudulent or unlawful charitable solicitation practices, call Attorney General McGraw’s Consumer Hotline at 1-800-368-8808, or contact the West Virginia Secretary of State at 304-558-8000. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------