Shameless treatment
Federal and state law enforcement officials this summer carried out a thorough crackdown on charities which have misbehaved. They allegedly bilked people under the guise of helping veterans There were over 100 incidents investigated of bilking actions. Donors were scammed out of millions of dollars.
The Federal Trade Commission has cognizance over these outrageous actions. The FTC uses no specific release data but some facts have shown up. One organization - Help for Vets defrauded Americans of more than $20 million earmarked for wounded and disabled vets from 2014 through 2017!
Older veterans in particular are targeted by fake charities offering phony assistance. It is known that older Americans have veterans ties. These scammers allow for that and mine this section of the populace for bogus donations.
Many of these claim to benefit the military on active duty. They use names such as Medal of honor, Act of valor and Vets Fighting breast Cancer. These are used to fool well-meaning people into making donations
The FTC used the term "enormous harm" to describe the brazen effrontery used by scammers This disadvantages legitimate charities who can use those funds to great benefit for our nations' veterans.
It is to great advantage to report these actions if you even suspect scamming. The Federal Trade Commission has a watch list. The Veteran's Administration and other sources are similarly apprised.
I am a member of the American legion and we get advisories all the time. Information here is sourced from the American Association for Rertired People AARP.
Law enforcement authorities claim that all the fraudulent activity should not discourage needed donations.The situation is especially tragic due to funding cuts during the previous administration at the mainstream Veteran's Administration!
Best actions are to look up charity records. Tap into the knowledge base of veteran support groups and pay special attention to scam watch data. Many of us at WA are US veterans. Stay safe and informed!.
Recent Comments
21
This is sad on so many levels. That people would do this shameful.... but to add how our veterans are treated by our governments also angers me.
Thank you for this post...
Shaunna
Thanks for writing about this. Both our dad were veterans (US Army and RAF) and grand-dads and we honor, treasure and value our Veterans.
Best to keep a sharp eye out on these scammers of our honored citizens.
What a shame!
Anyone who would do that to our veterans should be forced to enlist and spend a couple years in a war zone.
Thanks for the heads up.
KyleAnn
Thanks for this Mike. Most people have no idea about the scams going on and its so sad and depressing, but a real truth. We try to give to help a cause but we don't really know where our money is going. Wake Up Call
Anywhere in the world, where can we go and see people helping fellow people without exploitative scheme? Sad!
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Good Morning Mike,
This is, of course, disgusting and it is good you write about it.
Greetings from the south of Spain, Taetske