Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

US-Based Cancer Charities Siphon More Than $187 Million to Pay for Lavish Lifestyles

by Julia Samuel on May 20, 2015 at 6:11 PM
US-Based Cancer Charities Siphon More Than $187 Million to Pay for Lavish Lifestyles

Four organizations claimed to help cancer patients and allegedly drained off more than $187 million to pay for lavish salaries, luxury vacations and other goods.

The organizations are the Cancer Fund of America (CFA), Cancer Support Services (CSS), the Children's Cancer Fund of America (CCFOA) and the Breast Cancer Society (BCS).

Advertisement

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and law enforcement officials from all 50 US states charged the organizations with being "sham charities" that stuffed the vast majority of donations in the pockets of directors, family, friends and fundraisers, according to documents filed in the southwest state of Arizona.

"This is one of the largest actions brought to date by enforcers against charity fraud," the FTC said in a statement.

The organizations, all led by relatives and their close friends, claimed that the funds would be put towards cancer patients' medication and hospital bills. However, the funding was used for lucrative employment for family members and friends in a scheme that began in 1987. Professional fundraisers often received 85 percent or more of every donation. It alleged that the donations were spent on cars, trips, luxury cruises, college tuition, gym memberships, jet ski outings, sporting event and concert tickets, and dating site memberships.
Advertisement

To hide the expenses and high salaries, the organizations inflated their revenue by reporting in-kind donations totaling more than $223 million made in other countries, but were in fact only pass-through agents for those goods.

Meanwhile only three percent of donations made it to cancer patients.

"Cancer is a debilitating disease that impacts millions of Americans and their families every year. The defendants' egregious scheme effectively deprived legitimate cancer charities and cancer patients of much-needed funds and support," said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.



Source: Medindia
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Cancer News

A Sweat for Health: Exercise Benefits Breast Cancer Patients
Engaging in regular exercise could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals facing metastatic breast cancer.
Diabetes Drug Tied to Lowered Colorectal Cancer Risk
Drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, prescribed for type 2 diabetes, could lower the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.
Anti-allergy Drug Dupilumab Treats Lung Cancer
Researchers found a pathway linked to allergies that, when blocked, triggers antitumor immunity in lung cancer mouse models.
Early Gene Epimutation Linked to Breast Cancer
The occurrence of epimutations early in pregnancy challenges traditional theories related to carcinogenesis and the risk of developing breast cancer.
Does Family History Heighten Lung Cancer Risk?
More affected relatives, higher lung cancer risk; participants with affected mothers or siblings faced increased risk.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

US-Based Cancer Charities Siphon More Than $187 Million to Pay for Lavish Lifestyles Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests