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