On average, people donate more than $2.5 billion each year to over 40,000 American charities with military-related missions. While most of these charities are trustworthy, others prey on Americans’ patriotism and generosity. Late last month, the Federal Trade Commission announced Operation Donate with Honor, a nationwide law enforcement and education initiative aimed at stopping veteran-related charity fraud.
Here in Washington, Attorney General Bob Ferguson brought civil enforcement claims against two charities as a part of the Operation Donate with Honor initiative. The AG’s respective complaints allege that the charities violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act and the Charitable Solicitations Act by donating little to no money to their advertised causes and using deceptive practices to draw in donations.