Michigan is a leading state for aggressively fighting against charitable solicitation fraud

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced the Department’s Charitable Trust Section is receiving national attention for its aggressive pursuit of charitable solicitations fraud. Within the last year, the Section brought six actions against fraudulent charities—more than any other state.

Michigan’s numerous enforcement actions were highlighted in April at Georgetown Law’s “Representing and Managing Tax-Exempt Organizations” conference during a panel that reviewed the past year’s state enforcement actions. National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) President Karen Gano stated during the panel: “Take note that Michigan has found a more efficient way to use its resources . . . You’re going to see a whole list of cases there.”

“This is a proud moment for my Charitable Trust team and a big nod to all the hard work they’ve done this past year,” said Schuette.

“Michigan is a better place to live, work, and give because of their efforts. Special thanks to Assistant Attorney General Will Bloomfield for his leadership, putting scam artists on notice that we are watching.”

Several other suspicious charities and fundraisers have recently withdrawn voluntarily from Michigan rather than respond to Charitable Trust Section queries. The Charitable Trust Section is cooperating with other states to shut down sham charities.

Complaints  may be filed through the Attorney General’s online complaint form, or by mailing the Charitable Trust Section at P.O. Box 30214, Lansing, 48909-7714, or emailing the Charitable Trust Section at ct_email@mi.gov.

Schuette also established an online searchable database for charities, that is accessible at www.mi.gov/charitysearch.