Senator Proposes Increased Penalties on Fraudlent Solicitors

Seeking to reduce fraudulent charitable solicitations in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the ensuing outpouring of public giving, Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, has introduced legislation that would increase jail time for those convicted of charity scams.

The bill would increase the penalty from one year to five years in prison for people caught pretending to be fund raisers for the American Red Cross or other nonprofit organizations.

Senator McConnell's measure would also direct the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on telemarketers who fraudulently seek charitable gifts.

Complaints to the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance about questionable fund-raising practices have surged since the attacks. In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating a mass e-mailing supposedly to raise money for the Red Cross that was sent shortly after the terrorist attacks.

The American Red Cross has said it will prosecute anyone who is not authorized to use its logo and name to solicit funds.

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