Charity Fraud

With Hurricane Irene approaching the East Coast, it’s important to be mindful of possible scams in the aftermath of a disaster. 

The organizers of a sham breast cancer charity have pleaded guilty. 

The State of Ohio has issued a nationwide arrest warrant for identity fraud for a man claiming to be “Bobby Thompson,” director of the U.S.

Almost exactly 20 years ago, on August 2, 1990, former President George H.W. Bush issued an Executive Order that declared a national emergency with respect to Iraq; President Bush acted under the authority granted to him by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Subsequently, the Secretary of Treasury issued the Iraqi Sanctions Regulations, which prohibit the unauthorized transfer of money or goods to Iraq by U.S.

The New York City based not-for-profit group United Homeless Organization, Inc. (“UHO”) has been closed down. A New York state court issued the order after the defendants failed to answer a complaint filed last November by New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. As a result of the judgment, UHO will be dissolved.

Although he is on track to be New York’s next Governor, the state’s Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, is still taking his role as N.Y.’s AG seriously. Today, he announced an industry-wide investigation into car donation charities after he said he found fraudulent practices that deceived donors and diverted funds from those in need.

The “Coalition for Breast Cancer Cures” duped donors with fraudulent solicitations, made unauthorized charges to donor credit cards, and pocketed funds for personal expenses, according to N.Y. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo has obtained a court order temporarily stopping all soliciting by the charity and freezing all of its assets. 

Four professional fundraising companies have been charged by New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo with lying, manipulating, and deceiving to get charitable donations. During telemarketing calls, Cuomo contends, these four companies “consistently violated New York laws by disguising their status as paid professional fundraisers and lying about the programs that the donations would support.” 

Our thoughts and prayers today are with the people of Haiti and those injured or killed in the terrible earthquake, and with their families and friends. We urge our readers to do all they can to help with the relief efforts. UNICEF and other well known organizations are probably the safest way to contribute.