iSo this is pretty low.
According to a new complaint filed by the FTC, a group called “Cancer Recovery Foundation” raised money for cancer survivors but really just gave the money to fundraisers and organizers.
How much?
Per the complaint the foundation raised over $18.5MM but gave only $200k to cancer survivors. The rest went to the president of the organization and the folks he hired to make allegedly illegal calls.
The callers duped the victims claiming that up to 50% of their donation would go “directly” to survivors. Really awful stuff if true.
Reminds me of the plot of that show Telemarketers–which I have actually never seen–but that apparently deals with a plot to steal money off of people claiming funds will go to some sort of first responder charity but really it just goes into the marketers pockets.
Same deal here, allegedly. Really interesting.
Damages under the TSR can be extremely high. Plus you have the penalties and damages under the FTC Act. And the FTC is bringing claims under state law enactments as well.
So, yeah, these guys are really in for it.
I don’t always agree with everything the FTC does–its new recordkeeping provisions are junk–but I DEFINITELY support the Commission going after fraudsters and those who pray on the generosity of folks trying to help cancer victims. Really gross, if true.
You can read the full complaint here: FTC Complaint
We’ll be paying close attention to this one.
