SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Department of Commerce and the Utah Attorney General’s Office announced on Thursday that an agreement was reached to end a telefunding scam that hit millions in the state.
The coup administered by the Associated Community Services has raised more than $ 110 million since 2008 in misleading ads that claimed they supported homeless veterans, breast cancer patients, children with autism and other causes. Instead, the company kept up to 90 cents for every dollar requested.
In all, 1.3 billion illegal automatic connections were made, reaching 67 million consumers across the country.
Utah offices joined the Federal Trade Commission and 46 branches in 38 states and the District of Columbia to close the deal.
“Utahns contribute more of their income to charity each year than any other state. This ethics of serving others is an essential part of our state’s identity, ”noted Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes and Department of Commerce director Margaret W. Busse in a joint statement. “Protecting citizens against charitable fraud allows Utahns to contribute to causes with the confidence that their donation will help the needy, and will not fill the pockets of the corrupt.”