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1 1 (December 2, 2005)

handle is hein.crs/crsahtg0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS21058 Updated December 2, 2005 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Combating Charitable Fraud: An Overview of State and Federal Law Angie A. Welborn Legislative Attorney American Law Division Alison Muhlfeld Law Clerk American Law Division Summary In the wake of the September 11 attacks and the more recent Hurricane Katrina disaster, major charitable organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Way began raising money for the victims and the victims' families. A number of smaller, lesser known organizations were also formed to respond to the needs of victims. There is concern that some of these organizations may not be legitimate charitable organizations, and that professional fundraisers for other organizations may be engaging in unfair or deceptive activities. Reports indicate that some organizations claiming to represent relief workers, including police and fire departments, were not engaged in legitimate fundraising activities. Other organizations allegedly failed to use contributions to aid the victims' families. This report will provide a brief overview of the regulation of charitable fundraising and federal and state government efforts to combat charity fraud, including state statutes requiring the registration of charities and professional fundraisers and statutes addressing fraudulent solicitations. This report will also discuss a relevant Supreme Court case and Federal Trade Commission actions against fundraisers under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The report will be updated as developments warrant. Regulation of Charitable Fundraising While the federal government does not directly regulate fundraising for charitable purposes, actions may be taken against those who engage in deceptive practices or attempt to defraud consumers through telephone solicitations or prize promotions. Fundraising activities by charitable organizations may also be regulated at the state level, usually by the state attorney general. Congressional Research Service + The Library of Congress