Charity Fundraising Scam Results in $18.8 Million in Fines and a Lifetime Ban

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that after more than ten years of investigations, two individuals and their companies have agreed to resolve numerous charity scam allegations by paying $18.8million to the federal government and accepting a lifetime ban on telemarketing and soliciting for charities.  According to the Federal Trade Commission’s press release, Scott Pasch, David Keezer, and their companies allegedly misled contributors regarding the amount of their donations that were reaching legitimate charities, claiming 100 percent was when in fact the true figure was 10 to 15 percent.  Neither the individuals nor their companies admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, however, and there is no indication that there will be any criminal proceedings against them.

LHM