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World scams ruin charitable Americans

Americans are very compassionate, charitable people. When someone needs help or a cause such as battling disease is mentioned, we reach for our wallets.

Between 2008-12, more than $187 million was donated to the Cancer Fund of America and its affiliates. Of that, less than 3 percent went to help cancer patients.

Nearly 88 percent of the fund’s income was used for fundraising. Much of the remainder was used for salaries, luxury cruises, college tuition, even dating website subscriptions for four people and their families and friends, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Attorneys general of all 50 states have joined the FTC in filing a lawsuit against the “charities” and their operators. Here in West Virginia, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Secretary of State Natalie Tennant are exploring other action to hold the groups accountable.

No doubt Tennant and Morrisey will be able to accomplish some good. But policing the international world of charity scams is beyond the power of officials in small states such as ours.

Often, once a check is mailed or a credit card number is given out over the phone, it is difficult or impossible for the giver to even know where the money went. Charity scammers use a variety of tactics to remain one step ahead of accountability.

Obviously, the best way of ensuring your charitable contributions are used as you expect is to make them to local organizations or others with proven, verifiable track records. Simply opening your heart and bank account to a caller who uses a trigger word, be it “cancer” or “veterans,” is unwise.

Both Morrisey and Tennant have mechanisms for helping West Virginians check on charities – or taking action against scam artists.

Pointing out most charities do good work, Tennant is advising those with concerns to check her database of charitable organizations. It can be found at apps.sos.wv.gov/business/charities/. It lists how much money was given to charities and how much was used for purposes such as fundraising, administration and programs.

If you suspect you have been scammed – or have rejected a solicitation and just want to tip off the authorities – Morrisey’s office can help. Reports can be filed online at www.wvago.gov or by calling the Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808.

Many people who suspect they have been taken mutter a few choice words, vow to be more careful in the future, and forget about the unpleasant episode.

Don’t do that. Reporting what happened to Morrisey’s office or other authorities can prevent others from being victimized. And that, in turn, leaves them with more money they can donate to truly worthwhile causes.

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