AG warns Kentuckians about sham veteran charity

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ)- Attorney General Andy Beshear warns Kentuckians of a sham charity that’s taking advantage of their generosity to veterans.

According to the Office of the Attorney General, the sham charity goes by the name “Coalition for Veterans of America.”

A caller from the sham charity is telling Kentuckians that donations will help aid the homeless and pay for veterans’ medical expenses.

There have been multiple reports made to the AG including one from the Kentucky State Police.

The organization behind the scam has been verified as fake by Beshear’s Office of Senior Protection.

The Office of Senior Protection is working with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to raise awareness about the scam.

Beshear says, if you are not familiar with a charity or organization, you can verify their authenticity on  CharityNavigator.org.

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection website offers research tools, including a list of active charitable giving campaigns in Kentucky.

Beshear offers donors tips to avoid a sham charity scam:

-First, do not feel obligated to money or financial information over the phone.

-Beware of charities that sound similar to others.

-Be cautious of invitations to donate via social media; some may be legitimate, but they should be verified before you make any donations.

-You should ask solicitors what percentage of your donation will be given to relief efforts. By law, the solicitor must tell you if you ask.

-This seems to be very common, so be sure to avoid wire transfers or giving gift cards as a donation method.

You can sign up for Scam Alerts from Beshear’s office by texting the words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311), or visit ag.ky.gov/scams to sign up with your mobile phone number or email address.

To report scams to the Office of the Attorney General call 888-432-9257 or file a consumer complaint online.