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Two nationwide organizations purporting to be cancer charities will be dissolved, and their president is banned from profiting from any charity fundraising in the future, under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Cancer Fund of America Inc. (CFA), Cancer Support Services Inc. (CSS) and their leader, James Reynolds, Sr., agreed to settle charges that CFA and CSS claimed to help cancer patients, but instead, spent the overwhelming majority of donations on their operators, families and friends, and fundraisers. Continue reading “FTC, States Settle Claims Against Sham Charities; Sham Charities to Dissolve, and President Banned From Charitable Activities”

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced a settlement was reached with Utah fundraiser Corporations for Character, resolving claims they violated the Public Safety Solicitation Act. Corporations for Character has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $90,000 to the State of Michigan and to withdraw from fundraising in Michigan for four years. Continue reading “Utah Fundraiser to pay $90K and Cease Michigan Solicitations Through 2020 for Fundraising Misrepresentations”

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Charitable Law Section investigates charitable fraud and pursues enforcement action to help recover misused charitable funds, stop fraudulent activity, and protect donors and charities. Continue reading “Ohio: Enforcement Actions Protect Donors and Charities”

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced a settlement over claims against a charity known as Firefighters Support Services (FFS) of Wyandotte, Michigan. The group used deceptive phone calls to fundraise claiming that funds went to help firefighters and victims of fire but more than 90% went elsewhere. As part of the settlement FFS will dissolve their operations within 60 days. Continue reading “Michigan: Deceptive Charity to Cease Operations after Misleading Donors”

Arrest Also Made on Illegal Charity Activity, One Still Wanted

Officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services arrested Dean Sherwood of Tampa on Wednesday and charged him with 40 counts, including grand theft, unlicensed activity and organized scheme to defraud consumers.

“Thanks to the thorough investigation and swift action taken by our officers, there’s one less scammer stealing thousands of dollars from Floridians,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.

Continue reading “Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Arrests Tampa Man on Charges of Grand Theft, Telemarketing Violations”