HR1181 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1181 LRB094 20244 HSS 58159 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Charity fraud is widespread, and perpetrators of the crime prey on consumers across the State of Illinois, especially seniors citizens; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Attorney General's Office has received approximately 3,000 inquiries since 2000, which include complaints about instances of charitable donation fraud; and

WHEREAS, An increase in fraud attempts occurs after major national or natural disasters, including the attacks of September 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, and around the Christmas season, when fraudulent and illegitimate persons and groups feel people are more willing to donate; and

WHEREAS, The Attorney General's Office provides tips for consumers on how to identify potential charitable donation fraud, including requesting written information detailing the organization's mission and never paying in cash; and

WHEREAS, The Attorney General's Office encourages consumers to ask questions of individuals and organizations soliciting for donations to determine if they are legitimate, including how much of the contribution will go to the charity and how the donation will be distributed; and

WHEREAS, Over 25,000 legitimate charitable organizations are currently registered with the Illinois Attorney General's Office; the Attorney General's Office can inform consumers if a charitable organization is registered and current in its reporting requirements; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we proclaim May 2006 as Charitable Donation Fraud Awareness Month in the State of Illinois and we urge consumers throughout the State to be aware of charitable organization fraud and help in its prevention.