California Attorney General Xavier Becerra participated in the nationwide crackdown against fake veterans charities on Thursday.
The Federal Trade Commission led the enforcement actions and consumer education initiative called Operation Donate with Honor. The initiative will help donors recognize fake charities that falsely promise to help veterans and servicemembers through their donations.
In a statement, Becerra said, “Falsely claiming to lend a helping hand to our veterans ranks among the lowest forms of despicable, deceptive practices. In California, if you solicit charitable donations to help our veterans, you better be prepared to prove it.”
Additionally, Becerra said all charities in the state “must be registered” with the Registry of Charitable Trusts at the California Department of Justice. Charities “must be up to date with their reporting requirements.”
In a separate statement, FTC Chairman Joe Simons said, “Americans are grateful for the sacrifices made by those who serve in the U.S. armed forces. Sadly, some con artists prey on that gratitude, using lies and deception to line their own pockets. In the process, they harm not only well-meaning donors, but also the many legitimate charities that actually do great work on behalf of veterans and servicemembers.”
FTC/State Regulators File Charges against Fake Veterans Charities
The California DOJ filed 10 administrative and legal actions against charities claiming to help veterans. The department also sent notices to 514 veterans charities listed as “delinquent.” It will suspend the registrations of these charities if they fail to remedy their delinquency. These actions are part of Operation Donate with Honor.
