Friends:
Please read the latest from the Attorney General's office regarding investigations into questionable fundraising efforts.
For
Immediate Release Media
Contact: Maura Possley
November 22, 2013 312-814-3118
MADIGAN WARNS OF SUSPECTED TORNADO RELIEF SCAM
Attorney General Urges Contributors to Research
Charities Before Donating, Opens Investigation of Potential Charitable Scam
Targeting Illinois Residents
Chicago – Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced her
office has opened an investigation into improper fundraising tied to relief
efforts underway in Washington, Ill., and other downstate Illinois communities hit
by Sunday’s tornadoes and severe storms. Madigan urged Illinois residents who
want to donate to the recovery efforts to be cautious in their giving.
“Unfortunately,
in the wake of such devastation, we almost always receive reports of questionable
fundraising efforts that try to take advantage of people wanting to help,”
Madigan said. “My office is investigating a complaint, and we will continue to
monitor for improper fundraising efforts and possible scams connected to the
disaster relief underway. I urge anyone who wants to donate to carefully
research the organizations they intend to give to so they know their
contribution will directly benefit the victims of Sunday’s storms.”
Madigan’s Charitable Trust
Bureau received a complaint regarding Heroes Memorial Foundation, an
unregistered, out-of-state entity raising funds for victims of the weekend
storms. Under Illinois law, fundraisers and charitable organizations are
required to register each year with the Attorney General’s office. Investigators
from Madigan’s office also are assisting local authorities in Washington, Ill.,
to monitor for consumer scams related to recovery and rebuilding efforts.
To assist potential donors in
making wise giving decisions, Madigan’s office provides important
financial information about charitable organizations such as income,
expenditures, and programs.
To best ensure that your
donation will be used for its intended purpose, Attorney General Madigan
suggested the following tips:
·
Ask how much of your donation will go to
the charity and how much will be used to pay fundraising costs.
Solicitors must give you this information if you ask.
·
Pay close attention to the name of the
charity. Some fraudulent charities use names that sound or look like
those of legitimate organizations to mislead you.
·
Ask detailed questions about the
charity. Donate only when your questions have been answered and you
are certain your money will be used according to your wishes. Ask questions
like whether the charity is registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s
office and what percentage of the money the charity takes in goes to
fundraising, administration and charitable programming.
·
Do not pay in cash. For
security and tax record purposes, pay by check. Be sure to write the full
official name of the charity on your check—do not abbreviate.
·
Request written information. A
legitimate charity will provide you with information outlining its mission, how
your donation will be distributed, and proof that your contribution is tax
deductible.
·
Do not donate if the solicitor uses
high-pressure tactics, asks for cash payment or insists on sending someone to
pick up your donation. These are all hallmarks of a scam.
- If you receive an email or text message asking
for a donation, confirm that the request is from the charity by
contacting the charity or visiting its website.
- Do not assume that charity recommendations on
Facebook, blogs, or other social media have already been vetted.
Donors may also consider
giving to a specific program or purpose within a charity – for example,
disaster relief. If a website has a “donate” button, see whether you can
designate a specific purpose for your donation. If you cannot, contact the
charity to be sure your donation will be spent for the purposes you intend.
The Attorney General’s office
also advised that donors should be wary of requests for clothing, food
or other questionable in-kind donations. Unless the charitable
organization has the staff and infrastructure to distribute such aid, the
donations may be more of a burden than a help. Ask the charity about their
transportation and distribution plans. Be wary of those who are not experienced
in disaster relief assistance.
Madigan encouraged donors to
report suspicious solicitations to her office’s Charitable Trust Bureau by
calling (312) 814-2595. Madigan recommended that, whenever possible, keep notes
detailing the date and time of the call, the organization’s name, and the name
of the solicitor. She also suggested trying to remember the “pitch” as well as
any other pertinent information.
