Has anyone heard of a veteran's charity called "Support our Heroes"?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 11:39:05 -0400

Went to Publix today and there was a big table set up with military-themed ball-caps and some other stuff and two guys asking people for donations for veterans. There was nothing stating the name of their organization or a URL to a website or a chapter/post, so forth. That seemed odd to me. I asked one of the guys what their organization's name was and he said "Support our Heroes." When I search for that on the web, I find a Facebook page for something in Nebraska (which is obviously a LONG way from Florida) but that's it. I'm suspicious, but I don't want to call foul on something that's legit, but maybe just getting started or just lacking a more polished presentation. It was odd.

This was the Publix at I-295 and Baymeadows in Jacksonville this morning about 11 am.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 8 at 2019 11:46 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 11:46:11 -0400

I am a 100% s/c disabled Veteran. I wish I had heard of this charity. SGT Private RallyPoint Member I would love to tell/advise other Veterans about this charity.

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Sep 8 at 2019 11:49 AM

SSG Michael Noll — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 11:49:55 -0400

Not seeing anything either, please post if you find something. Thanks brother.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 8 at 2019 1:09 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 13:09:42 -0400

If they have nothing with their 501c status, I’d be highly suspicious.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Sep 8 at 2019 2:12 PM

SGT James Murphy — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 14:12:45 -0400

If they can't even produce a Business Card for the Organization.. Which anyone could create in a matter on min on a computer I would kind of wonder too. BTW all Organizations Asking for Funding Generally have to be registered with the State they are fundraising in. They would Have to have that permission available for anyone to see. I'd check with the store owner first to see if they provided any documentation. Otherwise, at the very least they are in violation of State Law.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Sep 8 at 2019 2:14 PM

SGT James Murphy — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 14:14:40 -0400

Also There's This: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/veterans-charity.html

How To Recognize Veteran Charity Scams

Scammers are exploiting gratitude for veterans to line their own pockets. Learn how to spot a fake veterans charity.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Sep 8 at 2019 7:25 PM

SPC Robert Bobo — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 19:25:16 -0400

Sounds suspect, these dishonest people show up and can't produce any documentation indicating they are legit and like to claim to represent , Disabled Vets, Law Enforcement, Disadvantaged Youth etc. , some are real some however, some are fake! Example there was a "pan handler" at our local Kroger store with a "fake charity sign" on one side of large sign and "will work for food on other side" I'd seen this young women early 20's at two other stores , I informed the store manager who had all ready run her a couple times

Response by COL David Turk made Sep 8 at 2019 9:35 PM

COL David Turk — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 21:35:55 -0400

Don’t donate to anyone and/or any organization you don’t recognize. And make sure you are sure of the exact name. Seems harsh, but there’s too many scammers out there. For instance, I get maulers from a charity that’s name is very close to the DAV.

If I don’t know them, I ask for a business card or some type of organization handout they should have, and tell them I’ll research. If they’re a reputable charity, I’ll donate on line or the next time I see them collecting, and then ask them when and where their next collection is scheduled.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 9 at 2019 10:59 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 10:59:14 -0400

There are a lot of fly by night orgs. Check them out on Charity Navigator and BBB

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Sep 9 at 2019 12:22 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 12:22:03 -0400

Check the BBB or your states Attorney General

Response by PO1 Jimm Mooney made Sep 9 at 2019 2:32 PM

PO1 Jimm Mooney — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:32:27 -0400

I ran into some guys using that same name in CA a few years ago. No website, or email & phone # on their "literature" was disconnected. Soon after they were busted for running a scam.. I have seen guys since then in other areas using the same literature and when confronted none of them could provide answers except:
1. They are dropped of by someone who claims to be part of the organization
2. They get a small wage for spending time at the table, plus a meal.
3. They have no contact phone # other than what is on the literature.
4. They have no idea where the HQ is or who is in charge.
5. Literature they are passing out has very little contact information and what is there (phone# etc doesn't seem to work).
6. No non-profit EIN # to validate their non-profit status shows up anywhere on their literature.

I would be very careful. When you look that name up on Google you only find FB pages (including one in India) but nothing directly relating to any websites or actual registered Organizations with that name. You do get other legit non-profit organizations who use the term "Support our Heroes" as part of their programs including Disabled Veterans National Foundation. All of those other organizations all provide their non-profit EIN # which can be easily validated.

Response by SSgt James Bolduc made Sep 13 at 2019 11:22 PM

SSgt James Bolduc — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 23:22:39 -0400

Looks like several guys who set up a foundation for themselves. I don't see anything that has been done to help veterans. Www.support heroes.org/team.html

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