SCAM ALERT: FTC Settlement Reveals Misuse of Breast Cancer Charity Donations

safe payment methods are key

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Federal Trade Commission announced a recent settlement with Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. after accusing the company of misleading donors about how their contributions would be used.

According to the FTC, Kars collected millions of dollars in vehicle donations through television, radio, and online ads in both English and Spanish, claiming the proceeds would support the United Breast Cancer Foundation.

The ads promised that donations would help “save lives” by providing free or low-cost breast cancer screenings. However, between 2017 and 2022, Kars raised $45.5 million for UBCF, and the foundation spent less than one percent of those funds on the screenings it promoted.

The FTC warns that charity scams like this one can easily mislead well-intentioned donors. Officials advise the public to thoroughly research any organization before contributing.

Potential donors are encouraged to review complaints, ratings, and independent reports about a charity’s activities. It is also important to verify how much of a contribution will actually go toward programs and services rather than administrative or fundraising costs.

The Commission also stresses that safe payment methods are key. Donations made by check or credit card are more secure, while requests for money transfers, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or gift cards are red flags for fraud.

Anyone who suspects a charity scam is urged to report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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