Consumer fraud suit alleges telemarketers trick Iowans into believing the callers are fire fighters, that donations will support local fire fighters, and that most of donated money helps fire fighters.
DES MOINES. Attorney General Tom Miller filed a consumer fraud lawsuit today alleging that a Florida-based professional fundraiser company uses misleading telemarketing pitches designed to exploit the public's support for fire fighters in order to line its own pockets."
It is interesting to note that several 'watch dog' reports have surfaced on the net lately listing what they call 'all national charities' and grading them. On speaking with one of these report administrators I was informed they only grade charities taking in over 5 million per year. In other words they only grade charities getting scammed by Xentel and other fund raising solicitors.
I guess I should be happy Blue Star Mothers doesn't make the grade.
A general rule of thumb -- if they phone you or send you address labels they are probably the 'solicitors' who keep 90% of the money for adminstration and wages and only send 10% to the organization. Unfortunately you can't find a list of legitimate organizations -- or even the actual address to send your donation direct -- only reports of the ones to avoid.
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