1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21058Updated December 2, 2005Combating Charitable Fraud: An Overview ofState and Federal LawAngie A. WelbornLegislative AttorneyAmerican Law DivisionAlison MuhlfeldLaw ClerkAmerican
2、Law DivisionSummaryIn the wake of the September 11 attacks and the more recent Hurricane Katrinadisaster, major charitable organizations such as the American Red Cross and the UnitedWay began raising money for the victims and the victims families. A number ofsmaller, lesser known organizations were
3、also formed to respond to the needs of victims.There is concern that some of these organizations may not be legitimate charitableorganizations, and that professional fundraisers for other organizations may be engagingin unfair or deceptive activities. Reports indicate that some organizations claimin
4、g torepresent relief workers, including police and fire departments, were not engaged inlegitimate fundraising activities. Other organizations allegedly failed to usecontributions to aid the victims families.This report will provide a brief overview of the regulation of charitable fundraisingand fed