Ohio attorney general warns of veterans' charity scams

COLUMBUS — As Ohioans prepare to honor service members on Veterans Day, Attorney General Mike DeWine is warning donors to beware of veterans’ charity scams and those who make false promises to help veterans.

“The majority of veterans’ charities provide excellent services to help veterans and their families,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Unfortunately, there are some individuals and organizations that take advantage of the debt of gratitude we feel to our veterans and use the proceeds for their own gain. I encourage Ohioans to be generous, but also take the time to research charities.”

Thus far in 2013, the Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section has handled six cases involving veterans-related charities, including a civil judgment against a fraudulent veterans’ charity and an agreement with two individuals to stop illegal solicitations on behalf of a legitimate veterans' charity.