{"id":86717,"date":"2017-11-21T15:27:00","date_gmt":"2017-11-21T20:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=86717"},"modified":"2017-11-20T20:54:06","modified_gmt":"2017-11-21T01:54:06","slug":"schneiderman-announces-multistate-settlement-dissolving-deceptive-veterans-charity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=86717","title":{"rendered":"Schneiderman announces multistate settlement dissolving deceptive veterans\u2019 charity\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"VietNow National Headquarters, Inc., used deceptive telemarketing solicitations falsely claiming the charity funded services, medical facilities, and treatment for veterans \u2013 but less than 5% of donations went to any charitable programs\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Settlement dissolves shell charity, secures injunctive relief, transfers remaining funds to legitimate veterans charities<\/em><\/p>\n

Settlement is part of AG Schneiderman\u2019s Operation Bottomfeeder, targeting shell charities that exploit popular causes to line fundraisers\u2019 pockets<\/em><\/p>\n

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a multistate settlement that dissolves VietNow National Headquarters, Inc., an Illinois nonprofit corporation that used deceptive telemarketing solicitations falsely claiming that the charity was funding veterans services, medical facilities, and treatment in donors\u2019 states, including New York. In fact, less than five percent of funds raised went to any charitable programs.<\/p>\n

The settlement<\/a>, joined by 24 states, requires the appointment of a receiver to dissolve VietNow. The settlement also obtains injunctive relief against VietNow\u2019s directors and officers and requires their cooperation in investigations of VietNow\u2019s professional fundraisers. Upon dissolution, VietNow\u2019s remaining funds will be paid to two national and well-respected veterans\u2019 charities, Fisher House Foundation and Operation Homefront.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith so many New York veterans in real need, it\u2019s galling that a so-called charity would pretend to help them in an effort to line their own pockets,\u201d said\u00a0Schneiderman. \u201cOperation Bottomfeeder should serve as a warning to the scammers who seek to exploit veterans, cancer patients and other causes to make a quick buck: we will stop you. I urge all New Yorkers to give, but give wisely, by following our tips.\u201d<\/p>\n