Fake veteran organizations

2015-04-15T10:49:09-04:00

I was partnered with a veteran organization in my area until recently unearthing how fake they were and the lack of help they were providing veterans but yet taking in tons of donations and not putting it to use like their website claims. We all know they exist. I demanded they terminate our partnership agreement legally through attorneys and their CEO completely lost it with me. What would you guys do? Obviously I want to protect Purple Heart Acres from becoming anything but an organization for veterans about veterans and that's why the split. All of our board members are veterans. They didn't have a single veteran on their board. I almost feel it's our responsibility to stop corrupt organizations like this from gaining money claiming they're helping veterans when they're not. Advice?

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 15 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-04-15T11:25:23-04:00

Out them!
Publish their info (webpage, pictures, etc)
Pass the info onto ThisAintHell and Guardians of Valor.
Do not allow the scum to prevail.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Apr 15 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-04-15T11:30:24-04:00

I understand the frustration. Unfortunately these bad organizations are everywhere. It's like buyer be aware.

Do your research before you commit to any of these organizations. My experience is that if they operate under a suite or PO Box I don't give. Another red flag if it is a local group or they have a local office see how many employees drive BMW's or Mercedes. That's a good indicator that the money collected goes into salaries and nice office space. The bare minimum is given to the charity they supposedly support.

Most are fronts for making money. Non-Profits are tax exempt and are a very lucrative business. There is a charity or non-profit for everything you can think of. It's the new business enterprise. You complete the paperwork, set up a pay for service website and you are in business. All you have to do is prove that the charity is supported and that profits are used for business only. The argument for these bad charities is 1. It cost us this much to make that? Meaning huge salaries for the fund managers and 2. I need a nice office and perks to compete.

It's shameful! But perfectly legal. Look right now at the Predidential PAC's? These are all non-profits and $100,000,000s dollars are pouring into them everyday now.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 15 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-04-15T11:31:34-04:00

I'd suggest filing a complaint with the FTC if you're sure it's a fraud.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0121-charitable-solicitations-vet-military-families

Charitable Solicitations for Vet & Military Families | Consumer Information

Many legitimate charities are soliciting donations to support the nation’s military veterans as well as the families of active-duty personnel. And despite tough economic times, people reportedly are responding generously to these requests. But not all “charities” are legitimate: Some are sham operators whose only purpose is to make money for themselves. Others use paid fundraisers whose fees eat up most of a donation, so very little of it is...

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 15 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-04-15T11:35:31-04:00

Fraud is fraud. They just arrested that Eye doctor guy who was friends with that Senator from NJ for Meidcare Fraud. These people are no better, and should suffer the same fate.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 16 at 2015 4:53 PM

2015-04-16T16:53:59-04:00

This will be a multi-faceted campaign:
1. Keep using social media.
2. Contact http://www.charitynavigator.org and report them. They rate charities and might have ideas to shut them, or have them prosecuted for fraud.
3. Word of mouth.

I did some research on Wounded Warrior Program and they did not rank very well because only 60% goes to the veterans, and they are sitting on $100,000,000 of investments. Morningstar basically claimed that money sitting in investments is not helping veterans and it takes money away from other charities. It is quite a shame that many heads of charity deem it appropriate to fund their large salaries before helping others if they do at all. Good luck and fight the good fight.

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Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Sep 26 at 2016 5:59 PM

2016-09-26T17:59:13-04:00

What ended up happening?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2016 6:55 PM

2016-09-26T18:55:36-04:00

sounds like you did the right thing to me: sever the relationship and try to expose them via legal means