The Better Business Bureau is warning everyone to check out charities asking for donations.
The Federal Trade Commission announced Tuesday that four charities—Cancer Fund of America, Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Breast Cancer Society, and Cancer Support Services—stole more than $187 million from donors. Money that was supposed to be used for cancer patients instead went for fundraising expenses and personal items.
Jim Hegarty, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Nebraska, says fraudulent charities sometimes have names close to those of legitimate ones.
"So I think it’s really important to be on guard for that. And particularly with mail solicitations, our mailboxes are just loaded with appeals, all different kinds, some for fantastic charities that are worthy of our support, others not so much."
Hegarty says if you have questions about whether a charity is legitimate, do research and don’t donate right away.
Two of the charities are shutting down. Legal action is being pursued against the other two.