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.