WASHINGTON D.C. (WTAQ) – The Federal Trade Commission has accused four charities of misusing $187 million in donations given by folks in Wisconsin and all 49 other states.
The FTC and various state governments said millions of people donated an average of $20, so executives could pay for cruises, jet ski outings, and other personal things.
Wisconsin consumer protection officials said 25 state residents filed complaints against 3 of the 4 charities named.
16 of those complaints were against the Breast Cancer Society. The others were Cancer Support Services and the Cancer Fund of America.
The Children’s Cancer Fund of America was the other charity named by the FTC.
Laura Hoepfner of Appleton tells WBAY-TV she got a high pressure sales pitch to donate on her charge card. She mailed in a $10 check, and she later checked out the charity online and found it was a scam.
The Better Business Bureau said it’s important for people to research charities before giving. She said at least two of the cancer charities didn’t disclose any information about who are they are, or what they do.
Susan Bach of the BBB calls that a “big red flag.”
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
