HR1181 LRB094 20244 HSS 58159 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, Charity fraud is widespread, and perpetrators of
3 the crime prey on consumers across the State of Illinois,
4 especially seniors citizens; and
 
5     WHEREAS, The Illinois Attorney General's Office has
6 received approximately 3,000 inquiries since 2000, which
7 include complaints about instances of charitable donation
8 fraud; and
 
9     WHEREAS, An increase in fraud attempts occurs after major
10 national or natural disasters, including the attacks of
11 September 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, and
12 around the Christmas season, when fraudulent and illegitimate
13 persons and groups feel people are more willing to donate; and
 
14     WHEREAS, The Attorney General's Office provides tips for
15 consumers on how to identify potential charitable donation
16 fraud, including requesting written information detailing the
17 organization's mission and never paying in cash; and
 
18     WHEREAS, The Attorney General's Office encourages
19 consumers to ask questions of individuals and organizations
20 soliciting for donations to determine if they are legitimate,
21 including how much of the contribution will go to the charity
22 and how the donation will be distributed; and
 
23     WHEREAS, Over 25,000 legitimate charitable organizations
24 are currently registered with the Illinois Attorney General's
25 Office; the Attorney General's Office can inform consumers if a
26 charitable organization is registered and current in its
27 reporting requirements; therefore, be it
 
28     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
29 NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that

 

 

HR1181 - 2 - LRB094 20244 HSS 58159 r

1 we proclaim May 2006 as Charitable Donation Fraud Awareness
2 Month in the State of Illinois and we urge consumers throughout
3 the State to be aware of charitable organization fraud and help
4 in its prevention.