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Foundation for American Veterans

(West Allis, WI)

A reader asks:

I didn't see a rating for 'Foundation for American Veterans' in Michigan. Are they a good organization or another bad money handling outfit?

Thank you for your question.

The Foundation for American Veterans does not publish financial information on its web site.

The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance reports that the organization failed to provide the requested information, so BBB cannot determine whether it meets their 20 standards for charity accountability.

According to a Charity Navigator report in 2005, the Foundation for American Veterans used just 6 cents of every dollar raised for services for veterans.

Despite this lack of transparency with regard to their financial information, we were able to locate a form filed by the Foundation for American Veterans, Inc. with the Secretary of State for the State of Washington (charities must register in each state in which they intend to solicit donations). According to the information filed with Washington State, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, the organization had revenue of $5,263,927, and spent $528,196 on program services out of total expenses of $5,118,508.

In other words, for FY 2007, the Foundation for American Veterans devoted 11% of its total expenses to program services for veterans.

The form did not break down those expenses, but we think it would be safe to say that a large percentage went to professional fund raisers. It did list Associated Community Services as a paid fundraiser organization.

When we checked that organization's Commercial Fundraiser Profile Report with the Washington Secretary of State, we learned that in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, Associated Community Services (ACS) reported that it raised $1,264,583 in contributions, and of that amount, only $480,465 went to the charity client for whom the funds were raised. In other words, the charity got 38% of the money raised, and the fundraising organization kept the other 62% as its fee.

The Fundraiser Profile indicates that ACS also solicited contributions on behalf of Disabled Veterans Services, Inc. and the Washington chapter of the United States Navy Veterans Association.

An article in the Portland Observer in December, 2009, indicated that FAV used 8.67 percent of funds raised for its cause, landing Foundation for American Veterans on the Oregon Attorney General's list of the 20 worst charities soliciting in the state, based on how much of its contributions actually go to the stated cause.

Wikipedia reports that the Foundation for American Veterans "makes far too many calls to people who are not veterans. The reps hang up before one can get to the telephone and they call up to 8 times in a single day. This practice is not only excessive, but counterproductive in obtaining donations because they are such a nuisance. When calling back their number, there is no option for removing one's phone number from their database."

If you would like to contact FAV to ask more specific questions, you may e-mail them at fav (at) fav (dot) org. Charitable organizations that are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c) are required to allow public inspection of or provide copies of their annual returns (From 990). If you would like to review FAV's most recent Form 990, request a copy directly from them at the above e-mail address.

Comments for
Foundation for American Veterans

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May 11, 2010

Foundation for American Veterans Scam:
Fleecing the Public for Their Own Benefit
by: Dawn

My husband is retired Navy. This morning, after receiving a solicitation phone call from the Foundation for American Veterans, I did a little research and sent the following email to that same organization.

You should have them listed on your site to warn other Americans. This is what I sent:

"I just received a phone call from your organization @ 1-800-842-1465. I spoke with a supervisor because I wanted to know just how much out of each $1 donated actually went towards the charity and how much was spent to pay the annoying solicitors.

I was appalled to find out that only $.20 of each hard earned dollar is used to help our veterans.

I truly believe in our veterans. My father, my adopted father, my husband and two of my sons are veterans.

How can you, in good conscience, scam the American people this way?

Go ahead...send me your justification for wasting our hard earned money. Robert M. Friend is NO friend to our veterans or us.

Type in 'Charity Navigator' and read the article titled "Charities' Costs Sap Aid For Vets" from the Hartford Courant, November 10, 2005, by Matthew Kauffman, Courant Staff Writer.

The most disgusting part is where your organization flagrantly takes from the public's pocketbooks and lines Mr. Friend's pocketbook with our hard-earned money.

I quote from the article, "...this is a numbers game, and with a relentless telephone campaign, professional fundraisers in 2003 collected almost $1 million for the American Veterans Coalition and three other charities created simultaneously by Friend."

It continues: "But that dialing came at a staggering cost. Under Friend's deal with the solicitors, fundraisers pocketed 85 cents of every dollar raised. Of the money left over, half was spent on printing and administrative costs, including the rented mailbox that served as the charities' official address. The other half, Friend paid in salaries to himself and his wife. And money spent on food, shelter or clothing for those desperate veterans? $0."

HOW CAN YOU JUSTIFY THIS EGREGIOUS FINANCIAL FLEECING/CRIME AGAINST OUR VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE REST OF US U.S. CITIZENS??

SHAME ON YOU, MR. FRIEND!!!

I am sending this same email to other organizations that monitor charity solicitors. I hope they cut you off at the knees! You and your organization are a traitor to our veterans and their families! Traitors should be drawn and quartered at a public viewing.

Good luck trying to explain your side of things at Judgment time.

From an enraged U.S. citizen"

Let us quickly clarify that FAV is not one of Mr. Friend's organizations, but was just mentioned in the same report.

May 25, 2010

Real Marines don't do this.
by: Anonymous

I received a call last week from the "Foundation for American Veterans" wanting a donation.

Being a son of a WWII Marine Staff Sergeant, I told them I would donate $20.00 even though I don't have a lot of money at the moment. I did it in memory of my dad.

The letter came this week with the envelope to send the money. Just to make sure they were a real charity, I went online and found this site.

Thank You for setting me straight. They will NOT get my money.

There should be a law against this type of scam. It really is disgusting for someone to disrespect our Veterans this way.

I plan on calling them in the morning and letting them know they won't be getting my support.

Thanks again for the heads up.

Mr. C. Kitson
Cutler Bay, FL

May 31, 2010

Thanks for checking
by: Anonymous

Thanks to those of you who checked this group out and then reported so people like me would see it.

I too have a soft spot for our vets that include my husband and two sons. Now I know why I have hesitated to make a donation.

Jun 06, 2010

It's Sad How Diligent We Now Have to Be
by: Anonymous

I, too, received a phone call, just 3 days ago, to contribute $20 towards a "care package" for currently serving members of the armed forces, which their literature states is just one of the ways my gift will be utilized.

After doing even just a little research on FAV, including all of your comments, I now realize that my whopping $4 probably doesn't amount to much by way of a care package.

I'm refusing to donate to this appalling charity and instead giving it to a more reputable organization, where I know the money will get to vets and their families!

God Bless America and keep faith that there are still organizations out there who truly care about our men and women in uniform...

If you specifically want to send care packages, we know of at least two good organizations that do that. A smaller one that could use your support is Cypress Cares (cypress-cares.org), a group in Cypress, Texas (outside Houston), started by an Army reserve veteran. Then there's Move America Forward (moveamericaforward.com), which bills itself as the largest troop-support organization in the country. We know that money sent to either one will go towards packages for the troops!

Jun 07, 2010

Outrageous
by: Lynne

Thank you so much for this information. They will not be getting my hard earned money. How can organizations do this and feel right about it? I just don't get it.

Thanks, Lynne

Jun 08, 2010

Thank you
by: Anonymous

Thank you for this enlightening information regarding FAV donations.

I received a call to donate a couple weeks ago, and they sent me a form to donate. I kept putting off writing the check, and just received a follow-up call from the solicitor. So I finally wrote a check and was about to mail it but decided to research the foundation at the last minute.

After reading these comments, I ripped up the check.

Thanks again disseminating this important information.

Jun 14, 2010

Always do your research!
by: Kathleen

I was contacted via phone by FAV a few weeks ago. I thought it was odd that they seemed in such a hurry for me to make a donation. They said they could charge my credit card or debit card. I thought it was a bit odd there was so much pressure.

Thankfully, I used good judgment and asked them to send me a bill. Today I looked them up online to find various websites indicating a very small percentage of their donations go to veterans. I will choose another charity to support.

Thank you!

Jun 16, 2010

Thank goodness for the Internet!
by: Paula in Arizona

We get calls all the time for "charitable donations" even though we've been on the DO NOT CALL list for ages. Luckily my husband (ex USAF)just says to them "my wife contributes at work. Goodbye" and hangs up.

Did some research this morning and found all sorts of negative feedback on the so called "Foundation for American Veterans," who called us this morning from 866-842-1465.

What a scam they are. I can only reiterate; never EVER contribute to any organization who cold-calls you. And they're clever; they can get your credit card and social security # by pretending to be legitimate and preying on your conscience to help the troops.

What a scam.

Paula,

Thank you for sharing this information. Just so you know, the national DO NOT CALL registry applies only to "commercial" callers (someone trying to sell you something). It does not apply to charities.

If you don't want to be bothered by these types of calls, you can ask each organization that calls you to put you on their "do not call" list. Or if you have caller ID, just don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognize, or those with no caller ID. Let them leave a message so you can find out who is calling from the unrecognized number.

At my house, we don't answer any call from someone whose name we don't recognize, or any call that says "unknown" or "private." If the caller is that protective of his/her own privacy, they should respect mine as well. If it's important, they'll leave a message. If not, then I've just saved myself some time and aggravation.

And NEVER give your Social Security Number to someone who calls you. You don't know if they're really who they say they are. Tell them, I'm sorry, but you don't need that information, and I don't give it out over the phone. If they really do need it, let them explain why. If the reason they give does not truly require your SSN to provide the services they're providing, decline again. Then verify that they are who they say they are.

Before giving them your SSN, ask for the name of the organization and a call-back number. Go to the internet and use a reverse number directory to see who that phone number is registered to. Then call it, and see how it's answered. Do they answer with the name of the company you were given? If this this the only step you take, it could still be a scam, which is why we recommend the reverse number lookup. Also look up the name of the organization (go to its website) and see if the number listed matches the one you were given.

Unfortunately, you can't be too careful with your financial information these days.

Jun 17, 2010

I Thought I Smelled a Scam!
by: Kay, California

On June 10, 2010, I received a call from Foundation For American Veterans asking for a contribution. The man said they wouldn't need any info on the phone, instead they would send a statement.

Then he turned me over to a lady who took the address and my first name. I asked,"If you have my last name, how come you don't have my first name?" Her answer wasn't satisfactory.

At the end, she asked what credit card I was going to use, Visa, American Express, etc. and I said none of them. To me that was a red flag, and I have been sitting on their statement.

A lady has called me to confirm that I received it -- strange. So I decided to check it out on the internet. I won't be sending any money, thanks to all your comments.

Jun 20, 2010

These people run other charities, too...
by: Anonymous

There's similarities in the typefaces they use on their marketing materials.

If you give to one, like I did, you get bombarded by others. One is some phony youth org, and the other is related to breast cancer. I wish I had the actual names but I threw the stuff out after I started doing research.

BEWARE. Check out every charity online before contributing.

Good advice to check out every charity before making a donation.

We think the similarities you are seeing in the marketing materials are probably because they may use the same fundraising organization. The principals of FAV are not associated with other charities, to our knowledge.

Jun 21, 2010

Thanks for the Heads-Up
by: Anonymous

I too was ready to make a contribution to FAV - one that I really cannot afford.

I would have gladly parted with the donation were the majority of the money actually going to help veterans and their families - but 20 cents out of each dollar - no way!

Thanks for posting this information and grading the organizations. I will be sure to use your site in the future.

Jun 24, 2010

Cold call smelled bad!
by: Jean

I got a cold call at 8 pm last Sunday. I was promised a mailing so I could see what I was dealing with.

I also had the "pleasure" of being passed on to a rude young woman who wanted to know which credit I was paying with. The question smelled bad - so I told her it was none of her business.

Today I received the mailing, went to trusty Google, and found all of you. What would I do without Mr Google? Glad I did.

None of my money is going to this so-called Foundation out of Michigan.

Jun 30, 2010

Thanks for your website
by: Lisa in VA

Like many of the previous writers, I too was about to send a check but hesitated and decided to check it out on the web. First by checking BBB's website which showed they weren't disclosing financial documents which was the first red flag and then the Google search which brought me here.

It is so sad that there are so many scams out there that it makes me so skeptical about them all...

Jun 30, 2010

Status of Foundation for American Veterans
by: Anonymous

I was solicited for a donation of $50, $40, $30,
by telephone. pledged $0.00 and then decided I wanted to check out the Foundation for American Veterans.

I did not think enough of the solicited funds were used for actual veterans help, less than 50%. I felt it was not a good cause and want to get out of the pledge. Can you check into this and see what I can do.

If you felt you were pressured into agreeing to a pledge, just ignore the invoice when you receive it.

Jul 06, 2010

a not so smart scam artist
by: Anonymous

you are another stinking scam. i wish i could kick your sorry asses. i am x-navy and would love an opportunity to hang you from the tail of my F-14 tomcat and drop you louses in the bay of tonkin.

Jul 13, 2010

Checking it out
by: Anonymous

This is the only time I have researched a charity before sending my money.

Something about this organization didn't seem "kosher" when I received the multitude of calls from them, only one of which I answered.

I have cancelled my pledge for the reasons others have stated, preferring to give my dollars to charities where a FAIR SHARE goes to the charity and not exclusively to the staff.

I hope that FAV will learn from its mistakes or simply close its doors.

Jul 16, 2010

FAV: Sounded bad from the start
by: Anonymous

Just got my call this morning. The pitch was really good and I almost fell for it. My son-in-law just touched down at Dulles this AM returning from Afghanistan.

I am a vet and am familiar with the good charities that support the vets. Had never heard of this one so after I told them to send me a pledge card, I decided to check them out. Glad I did, and thanks to all who have posted before me.

I will return their pledge card along with a note explaining why I will never donate to them and why I will pass along my "DO NOT DONATE TO FAV" recommendation to all of my friends both vets and non-vets.

You really gotta hate an organization like this!

Jul 21, 2010

Suspicious in VA
by: Debbie

I received my phone call from FAV last night. Most of the time I don't answer a call from numbers I don't recognize but I did this time.

After being passed off to the caller's "secretary", I was asked which credit card I would be paying with. I told her that I don't give my credit card info to anyone that calls me and for them to send me a pledge card, which she said they would.

I'm glad I took the time to look them up on the internet to find out just how much our troops get. This so-called charity needs to be investigated and shut down!!

Jul 21, 2010

FAV is harassing me like a collection agent!
by: Kathy

Like most of the commenters above, something struck me as fishy about this organization.

They have been calling me EVERY DAY to follow up on the donation. I would not give them a credit card number over the phone. I'm sure their callers are in some boiler room somewhere.

Kathy,

While the national Do Not Call registry does not apply to charities, you CAN ask an individual charity to put you on THEIR Do Not Call list.

If you feel you are being harassed, I would recommend answering one of their calls and asking politely for them to put your number on their Do Not Call list. They must honor your request.

Jul 23, 2010

When will this organization be investigated?
by: Lois

I also received a phone call with a very appealing request for money.

It seems this organization would use every bit of the $20.00 they finally agreed for me to donate for a care package for one of our solders overseas.(they really wanted that credit card # which I refused to give them). How can one even on a small S.S. income resist such a request for our kids over there? (We are the ones who remember our country as it once was and love the good ole USA and appreciate the sacrifices they are making for us and our children.)

I doubt if there are many seniors who will go to the trouble of looking this outfit up, so many will be scammed when they can hardly afford to pay their own bills.

I think we should all contact our representatives about this organization. Something needs to be done!

Jul 27, 2010

Thanks everyone
by: Dave G

I received a call some weeks ago, and was told first that they would expect nothing over the phone, but if I could pledge anything, they would send me a pledge card.

I got handed over on the phone to someone else, who immediately asked for my credit card. I refused, she asked then for my checking account info (saying "we can do electronic checks").

I replied no thank you, I prefer to pay through the mail.

Thank you all for these comments, I just tore up their pledge card, and quite frankly, would love them to call me back.

My Grandfather and my father were vets. I wanted to do something in their honor. Thankfully, I found these posts and didn't waste my money.

Jul 28, 2010

Thank You
by: Anonymous from CT

I was receiving phone calls from FAV for days on end until I finally answered. I was given their pitch on who they are and what they stand for. With my father, a decorated US Army veteran having recently passed away, I agreed to send in a $35 donation.

As I was sitting here, JUST ABOUT TO FILL OUT THE CHECK, I thought about how their rep had pressured me to do the transaction over the phone. This moved me to google your site and just check for myself. After reading your info and the posts of others, needless to say, no money for FAV from me.

Thank you for your valuable service. My hearts go out to the vets who are shortchanged by these organizations. I will look for a more reputable group to honor my dad and the rest of our vets.

Jul 28, 2010

Your money to fundraisers
by: LAWS NEEDED

I have been receiving hang-up calls from 1-866-842-1465. Since I have no connection whatsoever with any veteran organization and am just an ordinary citizen with a telephone, it was easy for me to see that this is mainly a scam.

I am disgusted that this is in the name of veterans. I would like a job like theirs, pocketing 90% of the funds of a "charitable organization" for American veterans, and spending my alleged fund-raising time inventing fiction to fool people who just want to honor veterans in some way.

Jul 29, 2010

Not Much for Program Services
by: Anonymous

I have access to a web site that provides an analysis of a charities activities based on their IRS Form 990 (a charity's equivalent of a 1040 tax form). According to the analysis of the Foundation for American Veterans 2008 IRS-990, FAV spent:

$3,121,404 on fundraising,
$1,400,626 on administration, and only
$619,442 on program services

So they spent more than 7 times as much on fundraising and administration as they did on their actual program services. They'll never get a dime of my money.

Jul 30, 2010

Thank you
by: Anonymous

I got my pledge card a few days ago. Last night I got a call from them to verify I had received it. Today I was just about to make out a check but decided to look up this charity on the internet. Really glad I did.

I will not be sending my donation to FAV. Donations are not as easy to make as they used to be for a lot of us. I certainly want to be sure any monies I can afford are going to an organization that is really helping someone besides themselves.

Thanks to all of you.
JB

Jul 31, 2010

Something didn't sound right!
by: Anonymous

I received a call from FAV and wanted to thank our veterans for everything they do for us on a daily basis.

I didn't feel comfortable after I had agreed to donate, when they handed the phone call off to someone else who asked for a credit card or checking account number to do an electronic fund transfer. That right there made me suspicious!!

I am glad I researched the web and found that this organization should not be supported!!

Thank you!

Aug 04, 2010

Thank you
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for the information on your site regarding this bogus "NON-PROFIT" Foundation!

Their status should be revoked.

Aug 07, 2010

Thanks For Showing the FAV SCAM
by: Anonymous

My wife received a call this AM requesting a donation to FAV. When she told them no, the individual came back with "oh, you don't support our troops".

I am a retired vet and know a reputable organization would never do this. After some checking, I found all of the comments about FAV.

Anyway to put FAV out of business?

The only way we know of is to make their donations dry up, but that will be hard to do, because not everyone is conscientious about checking out charities before they donate. And unfortunately, the tactics like you describe "guilt" many into giving.

Aug 09, 2010

Rather give locally
by: Anonymous

Thank you all for making me aware. I live close to a military base and would rather take my money directly there or to the local Vet Center or VA hospital or outpatient clinic. Thanks.

Aug 09, 2010

Fnd. for American Veterans
by: Hugh Jorgan,Jr.

They only give 11% of thier donations collected to vets!!!

Where does the other 89% of my donation go to???

How much are the salaries of these guys anyway?

Aug 10, 2010

Thanks for exposing this scam
by: Anonymous

Like many of you, I too received a call from the Foundation for American Veterans in Michigan. Here I am at my desk about to write the check, and had a last minute thought to go online and check out this company. That brought me to this page.

I will NOT be sending my check to FAV. I work two jobs, and ironically enough one of those jobs happen to be at my local Veteran of Foreign Wars Post.

Please don't let these scammers take your money for a cause they aren't helping. If you want to help, go visit some of the vets at the V.A. Hospitals, let them know we care and they are not forgotten, say a prayer for those fighting today, and keep POW's/MIA's in your memories.

Aug 10, 2010

Where does the money go?
by: Anonymous

According to the FAV organization's IRS-990 for 2008, $3.1 million went to the paid telemarketers who make the calls. Another $1+ million went to "Billers/Collectors." The president had reportable compensation of $80,417 and the secretary-treasurer had reportable compensation of $251,250. The rest of the "administrative" costs were rent, accounting fees, travel, legal fees, etc.

You can go to the FoundationCenter.org and search for a nonprofit's IRS-990 (it's the nonprofit equivalent of a 1040 form). It will tell you how the organization used the money it received. Sometimes it paints a not so pretty picture.

Aug 13, 2010

Sitting here with a Pledge Card...
by: Anonymous

I hardly ever answer the phone when I don't recognize the caller ID, but FAV caught me one day, and I agreed to send in $30. Even though the man I was speaking with said I didn't need to give any info on the phone, I also got transferred to someone wanting my card. First red flag. I said No Way!

When the Pledge Card came I sat on it. Something didn't feel right so I intended to look them up online before I wrote the check. Then the relentless calls started...did you get the card, when are you going to be able to send in the check, etc. They were calling every other day and when I didn't answer, they would call over and over within minutes. At this point, they are pissing me off.

Just now I decided I better look them up before they start calling again tomorrow, so I could either write the check or be ready to tell them to take a hike. So glad I did. Thanks for the info, CAN'T WAIT for them to call tomorrow (and I know they will).

Aug 16, 2010

Thanks for the info!
by: Anonymous

Thanks for your info about FAV. I thought something was not right. Just a gut feeling.

We all know SOMEONE in the Military. Ask them for a name to send a package to. Or the USO.

And/Or donate your time to visit wounded veterans at your local VA hospital.

Aug 16, 2010

Who could do this??????
by: Anonymous

I'm another (almost) victim....'something' told me to research before paying....Thank you for this site ~ AND to all who have responded!

Who could do this to our Brave service men and women? I'll use the Cypress site or a local one in my community (if I can find one!)

Spread the word or this SCAM will continue! I'm writing emails. Educate, educate, educate!

Refer to this site as proof.

Aug 17, 2010

FAV SCAM
by: Ken-CA

I received a followup call this morning from FAV to see if I had received the statement for my pledge of $20.

Did research on FAV, marked the statement SCAM and sent it back!

The $20 (less postage) that I saved will benefit me more than this unscrupulous outfit! I look forward to contributing to a more worthy veteran's charity.

Aug 20, 2010

Had a feeling...
by: CPalo

Guess I'm the stupid one...sent the check and checked the computer after the fact....

But now I know to never deal with them again and to request my name be taken off their list when they call me again, which you know they will since I'm on their sucker list.

Sorry we couldn't help you before you sent your check.

See our report on how to get your name removed from charity mailing lists.

Aug 21, 2010

red flag
by: Maureen Jones

I received the call from FAV also and almost immediately I had a funny feeling about it.

I did not agree to their amount and said I would send $10.00 and to send me something in the mail.

I decided to check it out on-line and lo and behold found out that only 6% goes to the veterans.

Just goes to show, always trust your instincts and check things out before you donate.

Sending back their envelope, basically telling them to kiss my backside!

Aug 23, 2010

Just canceled my pledge
by: Anonymous

I, too, made a pledge to FAV.

After receiving the envelope, I had a feeling about this "not for profit" and thankfully, I happened upon this site. It is very informative, and coming from a city that has an Air Force Base, I am so glad I didn't get "suckered" into throwing my money away.

Aug 25, 2010

BAD APPLES
by: Brenda

Thank you for the information, it's just what I had expected.

In addition to everyones input I found they were extremely pushy about getting my pledge paid over the phone with a credit card, which I refused more than once. She then became aggressive about my returning my pledge within two days of receipt.

Why their 501(c)3 hasn't been pulled is a shame. It makes it hard on true charities to help people when there are so many BAD APPLES out there.

Aug 26, 2010

Illegal Soliciting by Foundation for American Veterans
by: Ron Eastwood

I was awakened at an ungodly early hour this morning by an unnaturally cheerful "This is {name omitted) from the Foundation for American Veterans. How are you today?"

To which I replied, "Are you aware you are calling a private residence at a number listed on the national DO NOT CALL REGISTRY?"

The solicitor started to suggest that if I understood and cared about our brave veterans I should not be bothered by a call even if I am on the list. I asked for his supervisor. He hung up. There was no number on my caller I.D.

In my opinion this is at least a shady group and I suspect they are violating the law.

Ron, thanks for writing. We know how annoying that can be!

At our house, if there's no Caller ID information, we don't answer the phone. Period. We figure if it's important, they'll leave a message.

The other thing you can do is pick up the receiver just long enough for the call to connect, then hang up again without saying anything. That should be long enough for their computer to register that the call was answered, which may stop the calls for a while.

Yes, it's rude, but it's no more rude than what they are doing. They are intruding into your day, interrupting whatever you were doing, annoying the heck out of you, and tying up your phone line with unwanted calls. (But don't take it out on the poor minimum-wage caller. Just hang up.)

My guess is that your caller was an a time zone farther east than you, and probably didn't even think about it being hours earlier where you were.

Unfortunately, charitable organizations are not required to abide by the National Do Not Call restrictions. However, according to the FTC, which operates the Do Not Call Registry, "if a third-party telemarketer is calling on behalf of a charity, a consumer may ask not to receive any more calls from, or on behalf of, that specific charity. If a third-party telemarketer calls again on behalf of that charity, the telemarketer may be subject to a fine of up to $16,000." You should keep a written record of the date and time you make the request, as well as any information shown on your Caller ID.

If there is no Caller ID, there may be services offered by your local phone company that might help you identify the phone number the call originated from, or stop further calls from that number.

More specific information on how to stop unwanted charity calls from telemarketing services is available by following the link.

Aug 26, 2010

Shame on people who scam Vets
by: Angry 1970 Veteran

I received a phone call last week from someone who was asking for a donation for the Foundation for American Veterans.

Me being an x-vet myself, I really wanted to help out, but like so many of our vets, I'm disabled and on a fixed income.

I asked the person on the phone how much of each dollar goes to support our veterans and was transferred to a supervisor who assured me that 80% of every dollar donated goes to our vets.

I agreed to make a $40 donation based on that information. Today I received the invoice for the $40 and decided to check the organization out online to make sure they were on the up and up.

After reading everyone's emails, I am grateful that I decided to research the foundation before making my donation. And I'm so glad I did!

I would like to thank each of you for posting your emails to help people like me on a fixed income from falling prey to these types of scams. I believe in helping out my fellow vets but not this way!

Aug 29, 2010

Glad to find THIS site!
by: J. Mills, Wyoming

I had a "feeling" about the phone call from FAV requesting a donation, and then when the envelope arrived and did not refer me to a foundation website where I could choose to pay by credit card, that feeling became stronger.

So I did a quick Google search and landed here. What a shame!

I wrote a short note to the FAV about what I now know, changed the "amount of donation" to zero, and returned the envelope with a request to take me off their lists. =(

Aug 30, 2010

I Thought It Might Be a Scam
by: Nathan

My name can be added to the list of those who were contacted by telephone for a gift to the "Foundation for American Veterans".

I felt immediately after the telephone contact that it might be a scam! I am grateful to those who have sent in their comments on this scam.

Thank you for making this information widespread.

Nathan
E-7, USN

Aug 31, 2010

Same Story
by: Katie

My story is about word for word with others here.

What made me google them is that someone from the organization called me and asked me, "just what about the first call made me agree to give."

I thought that was very strange indeed. As though they were perfecting their skills.

So, I found you at this site. Thank you.

Sep 07, 2010

FAV tried to get us too!!
by: Anonymous

Like others we got the call, got the letter, looked them up and now know the truth.

Thanks for the knowledge and God Bless our fighting men and women.

Sep 07, 2010

They almost got us.
by: m.yager

Same story as everyone else.

FAV used the guilt trip on my wife. We received the pledge card today and I found this site on google, glad I did.

No soup($) for you FAV! How low can can the scammers go? Thank you for exposing this scam.

Sep 08, 2010

Not Giving FAV Any Money
by: Angela, CA

I received a call from FAV also, and even though I don't know of any veterans myself, I wanted to support our troops.

They called a few days later to follow up on it and I told them I wanted to check them out first before I sent the check.

I was just paying my bills a short time ago and I was going to write my check... Glad I checked first.

They will not be getting a check from me. I will find another organization to donate to.

Sep 09, 2010

FAV Almost Got Me
by: Anonymous

I received a call from FAV this morning and, like the rest of you, felt a little funny about it. I normally pick-up the phone and the quickly hang up. Sometimes, they get the message.

I said I would TRY to send them something and then when the supervisor got on the line, she asked how much I had PROMISED! I told her not so fast, I didn't promise anything.

After I hung up, I went straight to Google and found this site. Needless to say, FAV will get an empty envelope back from me!

Thanks so much for the info.

S. Cook

Sep 11, 2010

Crooks?
by: Navy Vet in Virginia

Got several calls, 11 in one day, from the Foundation for American Veterans without any messages.

I answered the phone on Sat morning and a guy who identified himself only as 'Jim' asked for me by name, when I refused to either, 'confirm or deny' he got aggressive and hung up refusing to give me any more information. He called back 1 hour later with the same attitude and tried to pressure me in to agreeing to a donation even implying I didn't care about the war vets. He said he represented the Virgina Chapter -- there is no Virginia Chapter listed anywhere in the public domain!

I am a Vietnam vet, my wife is a 23yr Navy Vet, she has been an administrator at the VA HQ in Wash. DC. I regularly connect with wounded vets and active duty at Walter Reed and USN Hosp Bethesda.

The high-pressure bill-collector-like tactics are not needed for legitimate organizations. --- make your own decision.

Sep 16, 2010

Over solicitation
by: Carol Nails

I was called 6 to 8 times a day till I was home and would take the call myself. I felt a little over-pressured and tried to say I cannot help out right now till they got down to a 15 dollar contribution.

Now that I checked, I will give my money to an organization that uses more than 70% for the charitable group.

I do not want to make the solicitor rich!

Sep 16, 2010

So, who do we give to for the veterans?
by: Anonymous

I, like everyone else, had promised a donation to this foundation. After reading the comments, I would prefer to send my money to someone else. Does anyone have any legitimate charities for veterans?

Excellent question. Two we recommend who do phenomenal work are Fisher House and National Military Family Association.

There are many more, and we are working on a list of recommended veterans charities for you. When it is published, the first place it will be announced is on our blog page, so if you haven't already subscribed to our blog, please go there now and click in the right-hand column, under "Subscribe," where it says "subscribe by e-mail."

The only e-mail you will receive as a result of signing up there is e-mail announcing new information on the site. And we don't share your e-mail address with anyone. Period.

Sep 23, 2010

Gave to FAV last year but not this year
by: Steve

I gave to Foundation for American Veterans last year without checking them out.

I actually had a good conversation with the solicitor that said he was a Vietnam veteran. Since I was in Vietnam in 1970 we actually had a pretty good but short conversation about a few of our experiences.

I received the same call to donate again this year. Another Vietnam veteran on the line? When I told him I was also a Vietnam veteran there was no chit-chat.

It's sad to think these soliciting veterans (if they are veterans) are also being scammed.

No veteran I know would support FAV if they knew about such a poor return on the buck.

Sep 24, 2010

i was hoping for a good review
by: bobse of so. californnia

thanks a lot for all the comments and information. we need to pass this around to let everyone know what's going on.

i had quite a few phone calls from this org in the last couple of months, until my wife answered the phone by mistake

just like the rest of you i'm a veteran as well and compelled to make a donation to the cause but for some reason, my gut is telling me something else.

plus, 20 cents on every dollar is not enough for our disabled brothers in arms.

Sep 29, 2010

Shame on FAV
by: Anonymous

I am a solicitor that works on behalf of the fav and right now I'm embarrassed to claim this stuff!!....

I'm a person with a good heart and to find out I've been lying to these sweet people makes me sick to my stomach...

I hear horror stories all day about how people are losing their homes and they can't Feed their families and here I come dam near forcing them to give their last to a bogus charity.

The atmosphere at acs is sickening...all the upperlevel employees are massive kool-aid drinkers that only care about the little money their making. They are all a bunch of heartless losers.

They know the truth but still walk around like we're really doin something good, but in reality were scamming the generous kind hearted people of america...

Shame on ACS and shame on the FAV.

Sep 30, 2010

Thanks!
by: Anonymous

My story is the same as the rest!

I hope to make a small impact on FAV's money source by constructing a WARNING email, with links and the proverbial "pass this on" mantra, and sending it to all my address book contacts!

I'm not one to support viral emails, but I've found that folks tend to get behind a cause that reveals the truth about the fleecing of America and, more importantly, the exploitation of our Servicemen and Veterans!

If we all took a few minutes to do the same we might be able to spread the word! Then again, I may just be kidding myself!

Oct 01, 2010

Phone Harrassment
by: Paul Wilson

I am preparing to call Verizon in regards to phone harassment by "Foundation for American Veterans". They are using the telephone now to extract coerced pledges out of people they contact.

Because I will not keep a pledge of $20 I made under duress (I am weak at turning down appeals made in person or on the phone -I prefer using a message or e-mail or a letter), they persist in phoning me several times every day. I will not pick up the phone if their number or a certain other scam charity's appears (caller ID), and they never leave a message on my answering machine.

I had to call them about 11:30 p.m. (to avoid getting a personal answer) and warn them to stop calling. I did this twice, but it doesn't seem to work.

I hope Verizon will read them the Riot Act!

I no longer give to ANY charity because of this behavior. I have requested in the past that (1)this is a 1-shot donation, and (2) my name is not to be swapped around. This no longer seems to be observed.

We often wonder why charity solicitors don't realize that such behavior is counter-productive, and rather than generating donations, it generates enemies who vow to never give them a penny.

Please let us know what kind of results you get from Verizon.

Oct 02, 2010

Followup on phone harassment
by: Paul Wilson

OK, an update.The harassment is over ! Verizon wasn't called, and I didn't need to be rude tho you told readers how.

The two warning messages I left on those scam charities' answering machines did the job. I called on 9-30 and left the same message, and the "Children's Cancer Fund of America" stopped phoning me after that. Because the FAV continued to ring my phone the next day, they got a follow up warning on 10-1.

The phone didn't ring at all on 10-2 and I enjoyed the peace and quiet. I am, however, still watching, so to speak. I think it's over and done with, tho ... I doubt, however, whether Verizon would have been much help. I am on a DO NOT CALL anti-telemarket list.

I noted that the pledge cards for both resembled one another in many ways.

I wonder yet whether changing my phone number to a new, UNlisted one would have been of help, or would it have been just an extra expense.

I have a folder on "unwanted charities" mostly those that resorted to these phone solicitation tactics, instead of the postal services that I would just ignore. This phone hassling has turned me off, even the ones I used to give to.

Take care now ! Ciao !

Thanks for the update, Paul. As we mentioned in an earlier response, charitable organizations are not obligated to honor the Do Not Call Registry, but for-profit organizations soliciting on their behalf are.

Oct 04, 2010

Callers yelled on the phone
by: Ken Tak

When they called me, and I said no thank you, the man on who called YELLED at me over the phone "WHY NOT?"

I do not donate due to scare tactics.

How do I get off their call list? They never answer the phone.

Disgusting.

Ken, if you can't get an answer, and there's no opportunity to leave a message as Paul did by calling at 11:30 p.m., then you have a couple of options. If you received anything from them in the mail, you can write them and tell them to take you off both their mailing and telephone lists. If you don't have an address for them, you can call your local phone company and tell them you'd like to file a harrassment complaint. Or go to their web site and see if there's an online complaint form you can use.

Good luck, and please let us know how it turns out.

Oct 05, 2010

Random Thoughts
by: Anonymous

"I wonder yet whether changing my phone number to a new, UNlisted one would have been of help, or would it have been just an extra expense."

It might help. Some states have laws that prohibit telemarketers from dialing unlisted numbers but enforcement is difficult. If your unlisted number ever got on a sold mailing list, chances are you'd start getting calls again.

Some of the laws - including the FTC's Do Not Call list - exclude nonprofits and political organizations. Being on the Do Not Call list will not stop calls from charities. Most reputable charities will honor a request to remove your number if you ask them to do so. Charities with questionable practices are not likely to honor such requests.

According to a study by the Hartford Courant, National veterans' charities are more than twice as likely to use paid fundraisers than other charities. My advice is to find a local charity that provides services to veterans and service members in your community and donate to them.

Oct 11, 2010

A fair share
by: 100% Disabled American Veteran

The Foundation For American Veterans called me today for the second time, asking if I had received my information package. I did and started an online review of their organization.

It seems the majority of cash collected does not go directly to American Veterans. Some says as little as 6% others 11%.

In either case I can not support this organization and will make every effort to advise the consumer protection people of the State of Florida to investigate to ensure they get a fair assessment and American Veterans get a fair share.

Oct 15, 2010

Repeated Calls from FAV
by: Anonymous

I finally answered the telephone after REPEATED calls from FAV.

The man I spoke to assured me it was NOT him calling, it was the computer.

I was given the "talk" and agreed to donate $30. Was transferred to person wanting my credit card information....no way would I do that so I was mailed a pledge card.

Then I started thinking of the donation I made under similiar circumstaces to the Breast Cancer Foundation to help women who could not afford mammograms. Unfortunately, I didn't check BCF before sending $50.

Thankful for all of your posts and the information about how much money is actually donated to our veterans.

And the man who took my pledge even had the gall to tell me that God would bless me for thinking of Texas Veterans.

Shame on these bogus money collectors. FAV says they are a 501(c)19) Charity. Check it out.

Oct 16, 2010

Texas is on the call list
by: Jayne Bordelon

I too got tired of the phone ringing so I answered it this morning.

I told the caller I'd never heard of this Foundation. And like everyone else on this post, said I'd make a contribution.

Then I was sent to the 'secretary' who first called me 'Jill' and then wanted me to give her a credit or debit card. I said, no that she would have to send the information to me so I could be sure I had the money. She made me promise I'd send the money immediately. Hum. So I looked FAV up and found all these posts.

I work for a non-profit and our administrative cost is 10% and probably could be lower. What a shame organizations like FAV make it difficult to raise money. Our organization raises money locally and provide our services locally.

Shame on Foundation for American Veterans, you should be put in jail.

Oct 16, 2010

My donations are for our veterans
by: Anonymous

I'm a widow of a vietnam vet, a sailor & I want to thank you for the information.

They will not get my money.

Oct 17, 2010

Foundation for American Troops (SCAM)
by: Anonymous

Oct.2010

I was contacted by telephone last week asking if I would like to donate for the Foundation for American Troops. I am assuming this is the same organization. Anything for the troops, for all they give for us.

Anyway, I mentioned that I could give $10.00 but first I wanted to know how much of the money would be going to our veterans. The person I was speaking with said he would have to contact his supervisor.

After a few minutes, the supervisor came on the line and stated that 20% of every dollar went to the veterans. I couldn't believe I was hearing this.

He stated "how would they be able to pay everyone and keep the lights on?" I suggested that they all should be volunteers and work by candlelight. After telling him not only would I not contribute to his foundation, but I would find a way to let everyone know about it.

I hope this prevents someone from donating to a real scam.

Oct 17, 2010

RUDE IDIOTS
by: Anonymous

Someone from this so-called veteran outfit called my home number, even though we're on the DO NOT CALL REGISTRY, and said my wife's name and asked to speak to her. I said she was not available, and that I could speak for her.

I asked again who they were, and what they wanted. He abruptly said, "No, I'll call back to speak with her." He then simply & rudely hung up on me. This was at approx. 8:40pm C.S.T. on Sunday, October 17th, 2010. (Give or take 5 min.)

Do they really think they are going to get anything out of us with this type of behavior?!? They're bigger idiots than Forrest Gump if they think they're going to last long. Stupid is, as stupid does.

I'm convinced that they will pull up stakes overnight as soon as they get wind that the FBI is on their heels. In fact, I think the Attorney General of my state would be interested in this organization.

I'm calling them first thing in the morning, and so should anyone else that is contacted in any way by these creepy bloodsucking leeches.

Unfortunately, the Do Not Call Registry does not apply to charitable organizations, but if you specifically request them to take your name off their list, they should do so.

You might be interested in reading our page about how to stop unwanted charity calls from telemarketing services, and about getting your name removed from charity mailing lists.

Oct 21, 2010

Thank You All
by: Anonymous

Thank you all for posting your comments in regards to the FAV.

Like many of you, I almost made the same mistake.

I decided to research any information that may have been helpful.

Based on what I have read, many of us share the the same story and with that in mind, my decision was easy. I did not write the check.

No Thanks FAV
Scam Scam Scam
Shame Shame Shame

Oct 23, 2010

Just didn't smell right
by: Herb

Like many of the other posts, I got a cold call from a very polite sounding man and when I said I would consider contributing I was turned over to a "Supervisor" who then ask for a credit card.

No way was I going to give her that so today I received their mailing for a donation.

Now that I've found it's a scam - which I was pretty sure of anyway - the stuff they sent is going straight to the shredder.

Thanks for keeping us away from such a disgusting scam that preys on people's sympathy for our Vets.

Oct 25, 2010

Disrespectful Caller
by: Cdr. Luke Memminger

I just received a call from this organization asking for a pledge donation. The call originated at 866-874-1967 and the caller said he was calling from Miami.

He tried a high pressure solicitation of a pledge. I asked him to send me the information on it before I pledged.

He immediately became angry that I wouldn't just pledge. He then was indignant accusing me of not supporting vets.

I informed him that I am a vet of 22 years and I wouldn't put up with an attitude like his when I was serving, and I certainly won't put up with it when he is begging money from me. Then after hanging up on him, I called to talk to a supervisor, which was only a phone message.

After some research I found that this organization has an 80% Admin fee. It is a scam that somehow the government has authorized as tax deductible. If it is legit, it is being poorly served by its callers.

Oct 26, 2010

ALMOST TAKEN TOO
by: Anonymous

I received a phone call this am before 9am and was asked if I received the previous two statements sent to me from FAV. I acknowledged I had, but did not agree to give the contribution they put on the statement so I had not sent a check.

The caller said he would mark it with another figure if I would send it in today. I just entered the info to send a check, when I decided to go with my gut feeling and check them out.

Thank you all for sharing your insights...I'll give to the poor what I promised them. There are too many of our own families suffering these days to be taken by a group out to benefit itself.

Oct 27, 2010

help us to act !! echoes
by: Anonymous

So these are people without a conscience.

But, for those of us who really want to help the vets, where can our money be sent? Recommendations, please.

And, why haven't they been exposed and closed down yet? What does it take in this country to close down swindlers and arrest them?

Writing an article about recommended charities is on our "to do" list. In the meantime, the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) includes the following veterans charities on its list of top-rated charities:

VETERANS & MILITARY AIP GRADE

Armed Services YMCA of the USA A
Fisher House Foundation A+
Homes For Our Troops A
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund A+
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund A
National Military Family Association A+
Operation Homefront ? National Org. B+

Donations to any of those groups will be put to good use for our troops and their families. You can research each charity name to learn more about their mission and services.

To receive our updates and notices of new pages by e-mail, subscribe to our e-mail updates.

Oct 29, 2010

concerned citizen from CT
by: Anonymous

Thank you for all comments.

I had also received my donation card in the mail and Thank God for the internet and your site to clarify this unjust organization.

I will not be mailing in my 25.00 check.

Oct 29, 2010

Noble causes don't apply negative pressure
by: Trina Smoot

I received a call from an 866-842-1465, my caller id simply displayed 800# SERVICE. Generally I don't answer these solicitous callers, and for some reason, I did.

I was advised by the caller that they were from Foundation for American Veterans and they would like me to provide a tax deductible donation. I was then asked what dollar amount I would donate.

I advised the caller they could mail me information, at which point he stated "look, I know you won't make a donation for our Veterans". I advised him I would indeed, AFTER I researched their organization if I found they were legitimate.

He stated again, "you know you're not going to do anything, why don't you go ahead and make a donation now. We take credit/debit cards".

Could this red flag fly any higher? I advised him I work with the military every day, and if they are in fact legitimate, I have no problem supporting our military members, veterans and families and will do so graciously; however, I am appalled that such tactics would be employed.

I am a realist, and I understand that various foundations do not have the resources to do such mass solicitation for donations; however, I would really like to see some disclosure requirements and/or fee limitations.

I might also suggest that worthwhile foundations and organizations work with reputable marketing firms that are willing to be charitable in their own right by offering their services at reduced rates, allowing a majority of the donations to go where they are most needed, to the charity itself!

Trina, you are so right. I can't understand why these people would hire callers who are so rude and obnoxious. They must not have heard the old saying, "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."

Unfortunately, their high-pressure tactics intimidate many people into complying with their demands, and as long as it works, it will probably continue.

I recommend that if you are confronted with someone this rude, you remind them that THEY contacted you to ask for something, and you don't succumb to harrassment. Then ask them to take your number off their list and not call again.

If they give you any grief, just hang up on them. You don't need their permission or agreement. It may be rude, but it's not nearly as rude as what they are doing!

And I agree with you -- a complete overhaul of this system is necessary. I wish Congress would push harder for some "reform" in charity solicitations.

Oct 31, 2010

possible malfunction.
by: Paul Wilson

Hello, it's me again. The two hassler scam charities have disappeared, BUT there's something that may have started at the same time and is still going on, but they only call about once a day.

Something called "New Jersey Health Care Filing System". I have repeatedly gotten three rings and then they stop. I have pressed "redial" at night and gotten a recorded message from this group about an application and a worksheet.

They use the tree branch system "press one, press two". The 2nd question is NOT answerable, involving my "worksheet" and 2009 income tax return. I do not go any further. I have not made ANY "application, nor do I have any "worksheet".

I really do not know what they are talking about, and, hopefully this is not tied in with Medicare which I have just started on.

I am just going to ignore these rings.

Hi Paul, we didn't find any such listing on the first few pages of a Google search. You might try a search on the phone number itself and see what comes up.

Just to make sure it isn't related to your recent Medicare eligibility, call your local Social Security office and ask if this group has anything to do with your Medicare coverage. That should put your mind at ease.

Oct 31, 2010

Thank You
by: Anonymous

You just saved me $20.00. I told the person who called I planned to check them out before I sent them the money. I am so glad I did.

Normally I never obligate myself to give money - and I would never put it on a credit card as they would like to have you do.

So far I have received three payment notices and one phone call. If I receive another call from them I will tell them what I have read - that they do not use donor money for veterans, as they claim to.

Nov 01, 2010

Thanks for saving me $50
by: Anonymous

Shame on them!

Nov 01, 2010

Foundation for American Veterans
by: Anonymous

Whew, that was close. I had the check all made out and in the envelope with the donation card, when I decided to check this web site.

Thank you, I'm now tearing up that check. Isn't it sad that we cannot trust these foundations.

Nov 01, 2010

Scam!
by: Anonymous

Thanks for all the comments. You just saved me $20.

I am glad for learning more about such bad organizations!!

Nov 07, 2010

Shady operations
by: Anonymous

My mother is 89, in an assisted living home and has dementia. My father served in WWII and our family, especially my mother, is very proud of that.

Her credit card recently showed a contribution to your organization. She is incapable of reciting her credit card number over the phone or even finding her card. Yet, you have her credit card number. How could that be?! This is despicable.

For the last three months a series of so-called charities (SCAMS) have used her credit card number. You should be ashamed, and I intend to follow this with legal action!

Do not support this organization!

Nov 12, 2010

So Glad I did my research
by: Anonymous

Thank you to all who took the time to write your comments about FAV.

The first solicitor was extremely nice and when I said I would contribute he gave me to a secretary who wanted my CREDIT CARD over the phone. The first person said they would be sending an envelope so I was taken off guard when the "secretary" asked for my credit card number. I refused to give my card over the phone.

She then said she would be sending an envelope and to send it back with a check within 24 hours or receipt! She also asked "if I could handle that?".

I wonder if she can handle the ripping up of my check!

Nov 13, 2010

Foundation for American Veterans
by: Anonymous

After responding to their call and listening to the request, I refused to render a credit card but told them I would make a pledge of $50.00.

Received the invoice and wrote the check, but, something clicked between my ears and I used Google to check out the charity. Thank you for the heads up.

I'm sure I will make a like donation to a charity that actually helps our veterans.

Retired USMC in Chicago

Nov 15, 2010

Thanks for the Info
by: Anonymous

Thank you for tipping us off to this scam. I got the call, the reminder call, and the letter in the mail.

Decided to check them out because the calls seemed very similar to one asking for donations for American Childrens Cancer Fund. Both are scams.

Rule to follow: give locally to organizations you see helping others.

Better rule to follow: Do your research before donating to ANY charity organization.

Just because you see them helping others does not mean they are good stewards of the money that was donated to them. We have seen and written about egregious examples where third-party fundraisers kept 99% of the money collected and forwarded just 1% to the charity.

The people who saw them putting that 1% to use probably think they're a good organization because they saw them helping people. We would have to disagree.

Educate yourself before you give your hard-earned money to any charity.

And thank you for supporting our veterans.

Nov 15, 2010

Thanks for helping me be vigilant
by: Nelson Richards

Recently the Foundation for American veterans called and asked for my support.

Since I am a veteran and a very dear family member that was a veteran of WW2 died recently, I wanted to do something in his honor.

Fortunately, I found this site and I will not make this mistake.

Thanks for helping me to not dishonor my family member.

Nov 15, 2010

A tip
by: Anonymous

I wrote earlier on the two scams attempted on me as these 3-ring clowns. Now I wish to make a suggestion.

Donate to the VVA.** They take donations in the form of clothes, books, household items (except heavy furniture). The donation schedule card and/or their website (VVA) gives a run-through on what they'll take.

** Editor: Please see our review of Vietnam Veterans of America before donating.

My parents, oddly, were hoarders*! I inherited the hoard and I am now in the 2nd clean-out. This also will make the house more sellable in the event I decide to sell it and move to an apartment.

It took 1 1/2 years to complete the first clean-out and now books I have no use for or interest in, as well as women's cosmetics - and a good load of soap bars - are on their way, in the 2nd. The shopload of laundry detergent is slowly being utilized.

So far, in this 2nd clean-out, 2 pick-ups were arranged and carried out. The third is in progress. The attic room is livable again.

* not as severe as those featured in TLC's "BURIED ALIVE". I wasn't the one who accumulated the stuff, so it wasn't too hard to donate it or throw stuff out.

Nov 16, 2010

A VVA reply
by: Paul Wilson

I wrote earlier about my giving some items to the VVA. Your report said that they only donate 25% of the income from selling the stuff.

Well, no money donating is involved at my end, and I wanted to get the stuff OUT of the house,so it was app. a good way. There is only ONE more load to give them.

They haven't phoned me, but they have put their appeals in my mailbox. Well, should they phone me, I can explain that my home only had just so much hoarded material, and I ran out of all such in the 3 1/2 years since my mother died.

The same for the scrap bulk. (Actually old windows stored in the attic I decided were too dangerous for me to go out on attic crawlspace with no flooring over the bare beams, wires and insulation, and get down all the stairs, without risking all sorts of mishaps. They were there since the house was no longer a rental.)

Paul, thank you for making that point. Donating to organizations that pick up items from your home is a very convenient way to get rid of items you no longer want. No muss, no fuss, no hassle of having to load it in your car and take it somewhere. That's exactly why it's so popular.

We just think people should be aware of what happens after items are donated in this way. It's about being an educated donor.

Your comment about the 25% figure is a bit oversimplified, but we don't want to confuse readers in this thread about FAV by discussing VVA here, so readers who are interested can follow the previous link to our report about VVA.

Thanks again for sharing your comments.

Nov 22, 2010

Disgusting deceptiions
by: Anonymous

I received a phone call for a donation to Foundation for American Veterans recently. Having been asked to make my "donation" with a credit card (which I declined to do), I hung up feeling as if I had done a good thing.

Today, I received the pledge card in the mail and I really can't say why, but I decided to Google this outfit and see what I could out. Well, chalk one up for me!!

I agree with the the majority of your respondents and feel as if they should be run out of business. Playing on our sympathy for our vets should be considered a crime against humanity. I can't wait for them to make a follow-up phone call.

Nov 23, 2010

FAV is a Disgrace
by: Anonymous

I am a retired US Marine Officer. I received a call from the Foundation for American Veterans.

I was willing to donate until the caller passed me to a lady that asked for my credit card number. This was a red flag and I asked that they send me a package. My real intent was to check them out.

Agree with previous comments. They just called to follow up and I told the caller I had decided not to donate. After a moment of silence, I asked if they wanted a reason why and the caller said no and hung up.

I hope the State of Virginia does something to advise others.

Nov 26, 2010

Scam for Veterans During the Holidays
by: Anonymous

Thank you all for this information.

I also received a call a few weeks ago. I told them no, I already support my local Veterans (which I do) but the young man said this was especially important for the veterans in the hospitals and overseas at this time of year. He continued with a sob story (which should have told me then it was not legit).

I just received the donation card in the mail. Checked it out and found this site. Saved myself a pile of money.

Am sending a letter to their national headquarters but it probably won't do any good. Thanks again for your input.

Nov 28, 2010

fair donation laws
by: Anonymous

I think there should be a law to stop solicitation
of a donation when only 6% of the money goes to the intended recipient!

Nov 29, 2010

Got The Card Yesterday
by: Janet

And the calls have already started this morning about 8am.

When I agreed to donate I told the caller I would check them out first. So I didn't answer the call but went straight to my computer and found this website.

My gut feeling was right- the pressure to make me say yes to a donation- they started at $50 and got to $20 before I was too worn out to fight them any longer.

Since I am the widow of both a WWII and a Vietnam vet- I do give to vets charities. So I took the money I was going to send them and sent it to the VFW instead.

Many thanks for your website. I couldn't find this organization on Charity Navigator which is the first place I go.

Nov 29, 2010

Donation
by: Brenda Riley

November 29, 2010

I just received my letter after agreeing to a donation by telephone.

After the caller asked me if I wanted to use my credit card, I too became suspicious and also googled this so-called foundation.

They will not get a check from me, and I will keep my donations in the local area. Thank you to all the comments so we don't fall prey to these vultures.

Nov 30, 2010

What A Crying Shame
by: A Patriotic Citizen

I too received a call several days ago and told them I would try to send $20 even though I have been out of work for over a year. I support the Veterans as I myself am one along with several family members.

What a shame that so little goes to support the veterans.

This year I have been unable to send any money, but support them in other ways by donating clothing, household goods, etc. to local Veteran's charities. They in turn resell to generate revenue.

I'm glad I checked this out first. My $20 will not go to them.

Since I planned on spending the money, I will send it to one of the many reputable Veteran's charities I have supported in the past. Thank you for the heads up.

Dec 02, 2010

Do Not Give Money to this Organization
by: Anonymous

I received a cold call today despite being on a no-call list.

Yes, it's tempting to want to give to an organization that helps vets, however, I asked for the name of their organization and that I would decide on my own if I wanted to contribute.

Thank goodness I did this and found this website to warn us about these disgusting low life people.

Using .08 of every dollar to help vets. Disgusting.

I say, throw these jerks in jail and throw away the key. They should be ashamed to call themselves Americans.

I'm a Democrat and am so proud of our troops and what they are doing. They deserve better than having these idiots stealing our hard earned money - greed.

I'm not sure how they get away with this.

I have no problem contributing what I can to a valid and legit organization where 90% of the money goes directly to helping vets.

Dec 03, 2010

Glad I didn't pay online
by: Retired AF

I too received their call for a donation. I asked them to send me a donation form and then was transferred to a woman wanting my credit card. I told her that I wanted a donation form and would not provide my credit card information over the phone.

After receiving the form, I checked online and found out what a scam they are running. I called them and let them know I would not be sending in a donation to them, that my money would be donated to an organization that does directly support veterans.

I have sent emails to friends and family letting them know that this is a non-profit scam doing a nation-wide phone solicitation with little to no benefit to veterans.

Dec 03, 2010

What a rip off!
by: Anonymous

I got this call from this organization at an early time of the day, I was just waking up and this gentle voice on the other side of the line enticed me with the needs of the veterans coming home from Iran.

I have high regards for the men in uniform fighting for our country and of course I accepted to donate.

Thank God, my husband alerted me to check this organization online and I found your site. I will not send them a penny!

Dec 08, 2010

GLAD TO KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE YOU OUT THERE!
by: Gwen

About a week ago I got a call asking for a donation to FAV. The person on the other end asked for a $100, $150 or $300 donation. I told him no I couldn't do that. He then asked for a $50 donation. Told him again "no" I'm on a fixed income and cannot afford that. He then asked if I could afford $30, and again I said "no". His last request was for $20 which I said I could afford.

The next thing he asked if I was ready to put it on my debit or credit card right now; of course that is something I would never do and I told him so.

When the pledge card came I immediately checked the website looking to see if they were legit.

Thank goodness for sites like yours that gave me the information I needed. No way will they get even a penny from me.

I am happy to make a donation to a reputable charity. God Bless our Veterans.

Dec 08, 2010

Veteran who asked questions
by: Anonymous

I just received a telephone call1-866-877-2049. They have called me several times but until I got online and did some research I did not want to send them or anyone money who claim to support Veterans.

After reading one of the emails regarding this agency I asked how is the money broken down with regards to support Veterans. I was informed - just like others - 80% of the money goes to cost and 20% of the donation goes to Veterans!

The breakdown is horrible - only 20% to Veterans! They will not be getting my hard earned money!!

Dec 11, 2010

Scam!
by: Captain James W. Rhodes, USN, Ret.

Thanks for all the information on these guys.

JWR.

Dec 17, 2010

How to REALLY send a care package
by: Anonymous

Thank you all for your GOOD IINTENTIONS and HEARTFELT desire to help our VETERANS!

I too received a call and of course wanted to help. As many of you have stated they were eager to pressure for a credit/debit card charge; I requested a bill so I could investigate further - and I'm glad I did!

My best friend's Son is a Marine and was in AFG last year and we sent him care packages monthly through Marine Parent.

IF YOU TRULY WANT TO MAKE A DONATION PLEASE GO TO www.Marineparents.com and on the left side of the screen click on 'sponsor a care package'. At a cost of $22.00 you will be sending a package to a Marine stationed overseas! This is guaranteed to reach YOUR INTENDED PURPOSE OF THANKING OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN!!

THANK YOU ALL!!

Thank you for your comments. We have not yet reviewed the financial records for Marine Parents, so we can't tell you how efficient they are with the money you donate.

If you are interested, and have questions about their financials, you may request them directly from the organization. IRS regulations require them to provide their 3 most recent tax returns to the public upon request.

Dec 19, 2010

Phone solicitations
by: Anonymous

I got my call a few days ago.

Thank goodness I have decided to not make contributions over the phone to any organization. However, I did, as many of you, agree to give once I received the brochure.

And, as many have, I decided to check them out online. So glad I did! I can put my $20 to better use I'm sure.

Dec 23, 2010

RUDELY REPRESENTING THE VETS
by: RoseanneP

After repeatedly telling this person we can't afford to make a donation this year, he had the nerve to sit on the phone and berate me: "What, you can't send $10.00?"

He tried to guilt me into giving something even after I explained that my husband and I were both unemployed and that $10.00 could mean the difference between paying our electric bill or not and asked if he might try back next year.

He made a disgusted noise over the phone and hung up---loudly!

Just yesterday this same man called up and said, "Well, I know I can count on you for a donation after January the first." When I told him no and started to explain that our financial situation hadn't changed, he tried to make me feel stupid by saying "I said I was collecting for after the first of January--that's next year!"

I told him we couldn't and he slammed the phone in my ear.

No means No even in a phone call. These folks don't represent the vets by bullying people who can't afford to give on the phone and constantly harassing them with phone calls.

Roseanne, thank you for sharing your story. And thank you for wanting to help our veterans. We feel confident you will do so when you are able. At that time, please come back to check on the charity you intend to give your donation to.

In the meantime, I'm sorry to hear of your current situation, and hope it improves soon. Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.

Dec 23, 2010

FAV
by: Pudge R

Twice by phone,two mailings.

Glad I checked the net.

No cash for Greedy FAV!!

Dec 27, 2010

Deceptive Foundation
by: jane doe

I, too, received a third call from FAV soliciting my donation.

I became very suspicious when the amount they said I agreed to donate was much higher than the $10 I agreed to pledge. I had the check made out and ready to send off when I had this "nagging/sick" feeling in my gut.

I went on-line to check out FAV on the internet, and I "Thank God" that I did check. I will not be sending them any donations.

Thanks to all of you for your comments about this group.

Dec 28, 2010

Scam?
by: Anonymous

This org. contacted me on Christmas eve and wanted my debit card #. I asked them to mail me an envelope. I'm glad I did.

I wanted to make sure this org. was legitimate as I have several family members whom are veterans. Seeing others comments confirms I have made the right choice not to give to these people.

Shame on them!

Dec 28, 2010

Thank you M-M-M
by: dallas tx.

Was just called and pledged a donation...

I've never looked anyone up but these guys gave me pause...so I found you...

They will not be getting a donation from me...

Thank you...

Anon in Dallas

Jan 02, 2011

Not sending my money
by: Former USMC mom

I appreciate all the info on your site. I took a call from FAV on 12/29/10, received my pledge card for $10.00 on 12/31/10. This was after they had started at a much higher amount and I refused.

I have been out of work for over a year, and I usually hang up on these people. I did donate to them last year so decided to go ahead and send $10.00 this year. Tonite I wrote out my check to hopefully head off follow up calls if I wasn't fast enough, and something told me to check them out.

OK, needless to say the check is torn up and I can't wait to get the follow up calls, will make my day to tell them they are scammers. They tried to get my CC number, too, and I refused.

They acted offended when I said I don't share my info. They need to act offended for their deception.

Thank You.

Jan 03, 2011

FAV and Associated Community Services
by: Rob - NJ

These guys got me last year, but since then I have been researching every one of the half dozen or so charities ACS has solicited me for. NONE of them meet the basic criteria most of us would consider adequate for a charitable organization.

By the way, Foundation.org 's "990 Finder" is a great tool for checking these out. Reviewing the IRS data on these "charities" will tell you pretty quickly who is the real beneficiary of these organizations - the fundraisers and the directors. FAV is one of the worst of the lot, if you judge by % of funds going to real programs vs. professional fundraisers.

I have never left a comment on one of these sites, but these solicitations really irk me. We want to help people, and instead we're being taken advantage of. 13 cents on the dollar going to program services? No way!

Jan 05, 2011

Dopes
by: Anonymous

Got my first call today. When I asked that they no longer contact me as the phone is for business, I actually started to get an argument from the caller about how this was the first time he ever called. I don't care, don't call ever again.

It was obvious from the person's tone and level of professionalism that this is a scam. Don't worry, Karma will catch up with these jokers.

Imagine what a bottom feeder one would have to be in order to steal from good people under the guise of supporting the troops.

Jan 05, 2011

FOUNDATION FOR AMERICAN VET'S
by: R. GOODRICH

I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM JUST THIS PAST WEEK, AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE, I THINK I WILL PASS ON SENDING A DONATION.

I THINK THESE TYPE OF ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE MONITORED MORE CLOSELY.

I KNOW I WILL NOW BE INUNDATED WITH CALLS FROM THEM WONDERING WHERE MY PLEDGE IS.

Jan 06, 2011

They got me
by: Anonymous

I could tell from the smooth talk this was a well-paid salesman, not a minimum wage kid. Even though I told him I could barely pay my rent he talked me out of $20.

When the invoice came I waited about a week and paid it. I received another invoice for $20 about a week later. I bet everybody gets double billed and some folks just forget what they agreed to.

I got another call a few months later from another rep wanting more money. I had checked their practices in the meantime and told the "gentleman" I wouldn't be contributing again and asked that my name be removed from their list. He said "I'll just have to tell our disabled soldiers that you're not willing to help them even after they sacrificed their bodies for your freedom". I called him a few names and hung up.

Don't give to these shysters.

Jan 07, 2011

HEARTLESS
by: Anonymous

There are people like myself thats barely making it but still have the heart to help others and these are the type of people that we live among, if you want to call them people.

Sad and pathetic way to make a living. There is a place for those PEOPLE.

Jan 20, 2011

Yikes!
by: Anonymous

Like everyone else here, I got the high pressure pitch. Thought it strange, but pledged.

I was just about to write the check when I thought about how pushy the rep was.

Glad I found this site, I will be looking for a different charity to donate to.

Thanks!

Jan 20, 2011

Told 100% Went to Vets - NOT!
by: Anonymous

I asked the guy how much of my donation would go to the vets. He said 100%.

I research before I donate anyway - I'm a little shocked.

No money from me.

Jan 21, 2011

Re: Told 100% Went to Vets - NOT!
by: Anonymous

Even the best managed nonprofits have some overhead/administrative costs. Based on my work in the nonprofit sector, 10% - 15% is an excellent percentage for overhead and administrative costs. The average is probably closer to 30% - 35%.

Given the range of sizes of nonprofits and the varying sectors they work in, computing a "reasonable" average for all nonprofits is quite difficult.

That said, the only way 100% of donations can go to program services is if the organization is a very small nonprofit run entirely by volunteers with no out-of-pocket operating costs and/or some outside organization is providing the operational support.

If an organization uses paid fundraisers (telemarketers), which Foundation for American Veterans has a track record of doing, telling you that 100% of the donation goes to program services would appear to be a material misrepresentation of the facts.

There are some organizations whose operational and administrative costs are paid via an endowment to the organization. In that case, they truly can use 100% of donations to benefit their cause.

Fisher House is an example of a military or veterans charity for whom this is true. Its operational and administrative expenses are covered by an endowment from Zach and Elizabeth Fisher, who created Fisher Houses.

So when you make a donation to Fisher House (or the other Fisher organizations mentioned in that article), you can be confident it is going to support military families, and not to pay salaries or operating expenses.

But for most military and veterans charities, that is not the case. Most must pay their operating expenses and salaries out of donated funds.

Jan 30, 2011

I was about to write a check when I thought of checking, thanks for the information
by: Mohinder Gulati

I received an unsolicited call asking if I would like to donate for the benefit of veterans returning from Iraq. I said, yes but declined to give them my credit card number and instead asked them to send me the letter.

I was about to write a check for the promised $20 when I thought of checking out the organizations.

Thanks for providing the information; they are not getting my donation. I will instead send it to a reputable organization working for the veterans.

Feb 01, 2011

Is this another scam?
by: Anonymous

I received a call a few days ago from the United States Armed Forces Association. Same stories as other charity...asking for a donation, passing me to a girl to verify my info, asking for a credit card number (did not give to them!), but did send me a donation card and brochure in the mail.

Have been researching and cannot find any evidence that this is a reputable charity.

According to the brochure, USAFA was originally the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund (VVAF).

I think it's all BS! Can anyone verify?

Feb 02, 2011

Thank You for all of the comments
by: Anonymous

I was about to send a contribution but did my research before sending.

I am helping a veteran of the Vietnam war at the present time and felt this also may be a way to help others.

Their advertisements through the mail look good but now I have found out that most of the money that is received is really not helping veterans in a way it really should.

Please give but not to this organization.

Thanks

Feb 03, 2011

FAV scammers
by: Anonymous

We are active Navy so when i got our call i decided to try and give back a little ourselves.

They must have changed tactics because my call was very nice and no pressure, so i told them to send me the info in the mail (I don't give any information over the phone).

Well, good thing i researched and came across this site! Thank you everyone for putting the information out there.

These people will not be getting anything from us and i will be sure to let the commands around here know what these people are doing!

Feb 05, 2011

Thanks
by: Kitty

Thank you for the info. I was about to send my check to them, but now I won't.

I am disabled and wanted to help our vets. I'll find another way to do it.

Feb 20, 2011

Thanks for the information
by: Julia

Glad I checked on the internet and found your website!

Thank you, Julia, for taking the time to let us know.

Feb 25, 2011

Thanks
by: Anonymous

Glad I looked up this site before sending my money. Thanks.

Feb 25, 2011

Cold call from FAV
by: Combat Vet

FAV called my wife one day while I was out. They pressured her to give them a credit or debit card over the phone. Since we've had challenges in the past, my wife asked for a bill to to mailed to us and we will write them a check.

Numerous family health challenges came about and this donation was not at the top of our list.

My wife received another phone call on a Sunday night at 9pm and they insisted that we send the donation in.

We began to wonder and went to the internet and did our research and found out who they really are.

I'm just waiting for the next call and I'm gonna open up a can of Combat Vet whoop ass! I personally know our Governor and State Attorney General and would not hesitate to go after them.

I have posted information about them on all the military forums I belong to warning everyone. Please don't hesitate to pass the word on!

God bless the USA!

Mar 06, 2011

Making my few dollars count
by: Jeannetta

I have become more concerned about how my few donation $$ are actually spent.

I was about to write my check and decided to check out the organization. I appreciate the comments from the woman whose family members are veterans.

I am a single parent of 4 and want to make sure that I am a good steward of my donations. I think I'll just go to the local VA hospital and make a donation there. I also wrote that on the donation form from the Foundation and mailed it back to them.

Mar 07, 2011

Another Scam at the expense of our VETS.
by: Anonymous

Like the others making posts, I too received numerous calls I did not answer.

Finally one night I did answer and received a pitch asking me to buy a "package". The first package was for a wheelchair - a donation of $40 or a "package" towards an artificial limb- $50.

I too have family that have served in the military overseas and wanted to help.

After being "encouraged" to provide either cr
edit card numbers or a checking account number over the phone, I asked to be sent brochures. I am really glad I did.

This group needs to be investigated by the Florida Attorney Generals Office. Thank you for keeping Americans aware!!

Mar 15, 2011

Repeated Calls
by: Anonymous

I caved in last year and donated $30 after many, many repeated calls. I wish I had done more research and checked out the comments here. Fortunately, I did not provide a credit card number.

They recently called again this week and were about to double bill me, again. When I mentioned I did not want to donate again, the rep was insulting and did the whole guilt trip tactic. Comments were" do you even know what these VA hospitals do?!" and "I don't think these troops need just a one-time donation.."

Their tactics are extremely pushy and condescending. I expect to hear from them again despite saying no yet again. Extremely skeptical of this organization and their tactics are not only extremely annoying but condescending as well.

You may want to visit our pages about How to Get Removed from Charity Mailing Lists and How to Stop Unwanted Charity Calls from Telemarketing Services.

Apr 08, 2011

Fraud.....?
by: Anonymous

I had a phone call from the FAV and I said I would send 25.00 dollars to them when I receive the bill.

When the letter came I did a little research and found them to be lacking in integrity; therefore no money will be sent..

This foundation should be shut down....

A Navy vet of four years and a daughter of 17 years both Navy and National Guard.......

Apr 29, 2011

Bogus FAV taking veteran funds.
by: torkmaster

Confirmed by Wisconsin Representative that this organization is bogus. MMM has not independently verified this claim.

Uses telemarketing to solicit illegally from numbers on FCC DNC and WiNoCall list.

http://www.fav.org/

Actually, charitable organizations are not legally required to abide by the Do Not Call list, although telemarketers calling on their behalf are supposed to.

May 04, 2011

Thanks for the Information
by: Squerida

As many who have already commented, I want to thank you for the information that you and other commenters have provided on FAV.

I want to contribute to Veterans, not a fund-raising organization!

Fortunately I saw this site before I send my check in. Many thanks!

May 05, 2011

FAV Upset my Mom
by: Anonymous

FAV called my elderly father. He is easily confused and he agreed to donate. My mother received the donation letter and disposed of it.

She then received a follow up call asking where the donation was. My mother told them she had shredded the letter.

The person on the phone began to tell her that they needed the donation now and that my father had promised to donate. They wanted her credit card number immediately.

She refused but was harassed verbally until she agreed to send a check. Received her bank statement and the check still has not cleared so she is stopping payment.

So sad that it is going to cost her additional expense, but she is worried that she may be getting ripped off for even more than the original donation.

May 18, 2011

THANK YOU
by: Anonymous

I was about to send off a check to Foundation for American Veterans today for $20. I felt bad because I had promised to donate to them in February but never had time and they kept calling to remind me.

Luckily, I decided to check online first and found this website! I am completely shocked by all this.

I thought I was donating my full $20 to the people who deserved this, not 20 cents off a dollar!!! This is completely outrageous. They will NOT be receiving anything from me any further.

This just makes me feel so reluctant to donate any more monies to any organizations now.

May 20, 2011

Suspicious
by: Anonymous

Somehow I felt suspicious when the FAV donation form came in the mail - two of them in fact.

So I decided to come online and check them out. Now I am glad I did.

Thanks for the information. It does pay to check out fund-raising organizations.

Jun 01, 2011

No Respect
by: Stan

I want to thank everyone that has posted their outlook and insight into this "organization's" money management practices.

I am a veteran that uses the VA for medical and other reasons, and my Mother has "donated" money to this group in the past.

She asked me if she should continue to do so, so I went online to find out about the FAV.

Thanks to all of You Respectable People, and Your information, I told my Mother to Never Give These Leaches Another Penny!!

Jun 07, 2011

Harassing phone calls from FAV
by: Annonymous in CT

i have been receiving phone calls on 6/06/11 starting at 8:34am, and continuing 12:55pm, 1:56pm,3:02pm, and 4:08pm; again on 6/07/11 at 8:45am, 11:58am. 1:28pm, 2:22pm, 3:14pm, and 4:18pm. i hope they call me one more time so that i may be able to speak to someone in person, and give them the chance to solicit my donation; which i will flatly refuse. i agree this may be a total scam!

Jun 09, 2011

This is a scam
by: daisy

For the past two years my elderly aunt has been consistently harassed by telephone and mail by these people.

Upon trying to call the phone number they list on the donation bill they send, you get a recording to leave your name and phone number and they will call you back.

Jun 21, 2011

Too close for comfort
by: Anonymous

Whew!!! Had the check enclosed and the stamp on the envelope when I decided to check out these flim-flammers.

'Nuff said'! Thanks.

Jun 30, 2011

So glad I found out
by: I hate scammers

I was just about to send off my check and decided to check out this organization. I did get caught with the breast cancer scam but not this one! The script is the same, just a different organization.

Yesterday, they called to see if I had gotten my pledge card. I hate that they stress using your credit card. I told them that I will send it in. NOT!

Thanks for the information.

Jul 25, 2011

Just another scam
by: PD

Unfortunately for me, I was contacted by FAV about 7 days after my husband's death.

Since all the men and 50% of the women (including me) in my family for the past 3 generations have served at least one tour of active duty, I agreed to their request.

I agreed to pay by check, but I guess I waited too long to reply. I do not know how they got my credit card #, but a charge eventually showed up on a monthly bill.

This year I will NOT return their pledge form. I wonder if there will still be a charge on my credit card?

PD, wow, that's quite a family legacy of service to our country! Thank you to all of you.

If a charge shows up on your credit card this year, contact your credit card company immediately, and tell them you did NOT authorize this charge, nor the one they made last year, and ask them to reverse it.

Sep 03, 2011

Scam!
by: Anonymous

I was cold called by a really rude person. I was asked to donate $50 which was quickly reduced to $10 when I told him I wasn't able to donate at this time.

I have a brother, sister and father who are vets so I said "ok" to $10.

I was passed to a woman who IMMEDIATELY asked for a debit/credit card number. I asked them to send a donation card.

Something didn't feel right, so I checked Google. I'm glad I did.

The FAV won't get my $10 or anything from me - ever!!

Oct 02, 2011

DON'T BE SCAMMED
by: Sylvia - Richmond, VA

I too received a call from FAV and promised a $50 donation (Purple Heart).

I received the Invoice in the mail and decided to check them out. So glad I found this site.

My husband and my brother are Vietnam VETS and my son is currently serving in the Army National Guard.

Since I had intended to send $50 to this SCAM, I decided to send it to a legitimate organization. Thanks to your site, I found Fisher House Foundation and made a donation to them.

I have told my husband that if these Scammers call to find out where their money is, to tell them, "The Check Is In The Mail". I am going to put a post on my Facebook page and warn my friends about these SCAMMERS. I am also going to ask them to repost so that we can put these people out of business.

My thanks go out to the men and women of our armed services, past and present, who have fought for the freedoms that I enjoy. God Bless each and every one of them.

Oct 12, 2011

Nonstop Calls!!!
by: Anonymous

I've been getting calls from FAV nonstop!

I tried to ask them to put me on their "do not call" list, but they keep hanging up on me!

I'm so sick of this! I wish something could be done!!!!!

See our detailed instructions on How to Stop Unwanted Charity Calls from Telemarketing Services.

Oct 17, 2011

They ALMOST got my $$
by: Anonymous

I received a phone call from Foundation for American Vets. They asked for 20.00.

They proceeded to tell me where the money would be spent: VA Hospitals, CARE packages, medical equip & clothing, etc.

Thank God, my husband said he was going to check this out on the internet. They should be ashamed of themselves. I was going to give 50.00 because my brother is a vet and now goes to the Vet Hospital for chemo treatment for his cancer.

Thank God we checked this out! I would still like to give, but where is it legit?!

Anon, check out our page on honorable veterans charities that are good stewards of the funds they raise.

Nov 14, 2011

my credit card and banking info???
by: Anonymous

I received a call from the Foundation for American Veterans and they wanted a donation. I told them to send me something in the mail. He said, "OK,let me just link you to another person to verify that you will donate."...

Then the next person wanted my credit card info or bank routing info...

I have never heard of this and it sent up a red flag for me. Well, they will not be getting any money from me!!!

So glad there are places to check on these people!

Dec 18, 2011

Thank Goodness for the Internet!
by: Anonymous

I, too agreed to donate money to the FAV, especially since I have a brother-in-law who is a Vietnam Vet.

I refused to provide personal credit card information so they sent me an invoice.

I decided to check it out on the internet...I am always suspicious of organizations who do not provide information to the BBB. Reading the various sites about FAV, one can only conclude that someone's pocket is being lined with our hard-earned money, and it isn't the services that veterans and current active soldiers so desperately need after the Obama administration cuts!

Shame on them! After all is said and done, only $0.20 of every dollar goes to services provided to our veterans and soldiers. Provide me with the financial breakdown of where the other $0.80 goes!!!

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