FTC / MI Attorney General: Charity Scams

5/19/15, LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today joined state law enforcement partners in every state in the nation, the District of Columbia, and the Federal Trade Commission, to jointly file a federal lawsuit against four phony cancer charities and their operators, who allegedly scammed more than $187 million from consumers throughout the country.

The joint complaint alleges the defendants including Cancer Fund of America, Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Cancer Support Services and The Breast Cancer Society, portrayed themselves to donors as legitimate charities with substantial nationwide programs.

     “Federal and State law requires honesty of our charities and fundraisers.  We will not tolerate those who employ unscrupulous fundraising tactics to deceive donors in Michigan and across the country,” said Schuette.  “Our actions today mean that those charities aiming to deceive those who want to help children with cancer and breast cancer patients will be held accountable.” 

For more details on the groups sited and how to find out if a charity is credible click on the link below.

MI Attorney Generals Website

Better Business Bureau: Purchase Property Deed $83 when you can get it for $2 ? - “Record Transfer Services- Unsolicted request”

The BBB has received complaints about the "Record Transfer Services" unsolicited letter asking you to pay $83.00 for a copy of your home deed and assessment profile.

 

You have to read the fine print where they acknowledge on the second page that you can get this from your local County Clerk.

 

If you received a letter from Records Transfer Service Company charging $83.00 for a copy of your “Current Grant Deed and Property Assessment Profile” it is an unsolicited request for you to pay for something that you don't need.   It fits the classic scam formula.

 

See the attached:

 

If you received this letter please call your local County Clerks office to alert them to the letter and asked to get it from them if needed but don't fall prey to the unsolicited letter

Milwaukee Journal - Public Investigator "Deed Scam".

 

 

Netsmartz - Online Safety PSA contest

Don't forget about the Speak Up for Safety PSA contest. There's still time to enter!

Encourage teens to submit a 30 to 60-second video explaining the one thing they think teens need to know about being safer online. The deadline for entries is May 12, 2015.

Click on the link for details from Netsmartz about the PSA contest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Netsmartz - PSA contest