Schuette issues 'cease and desist'

Attorney General Bill Schuette and Jason Allen, senior deputy director for the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs, announced May 22 that the Attorney General's Charitable Trust Section has issued a 'cease and desist' letter ordering the Veterans of America VOA Foundation to stop fundraising in Michigan. Schuette also has denied the organization's solicitation registration. The order comes as the result of the normal registration process for soliciting charities. Veterans of America was incorporated November 14, 2011. On November 22, 2011, the newly incorporated Veterans of America VOA Foundation filed its initial solicitation registration form with the Schuette's Charitable Trust Section. Charities may fundraise while their registration is under review. But during the review, Schuette's office received citizen complaints alleging that Veterans of America had attempted to deceive them during fundraising calls. "The basic rule for charitable fundraising in Michigan is simple--be honest,'' said Schuette. "Deceptive fundraising tactics will not be tolerated." "Veterans and current service members are appreciative of donations given to support them," said Allen. "However, it is important for individuals to do the research to ensure their contributions are going to good, legitimate causes." Published: Thu, May 24, 2012