Veterans Support Organization Scam alert

[Sparky-30]

Just came back from Publix at Mulberry, these 2 guys in military fatigues with buckets for your donation out in front. I remember this video on these bozo's which I am about to show you. Its a scam, most of these guys have never been in the military and a lot of them are felons. You will from time to time see them at other shopping centers around the area.


http://ballseyesboomers.blogspot.com/2011/03/veterans-support-organization-is-it_15.html

[brostholder]

As a Viet Nam veteran, I am aware that some of these things are scams just as some of those folks that hold up signs saying "veteran...please help" are also scams. But I figure that the dollar or 2 that I give them will not make one bit of difference in my life, but very well may make a tiny bit of difference in their life. So I will continue to give and hope that "karma" punishes those that are dishonest. I know that it is probably not the smartest thing I have ever done, but one of those guys may really be a brother and I would rather give to a fraud than deny a fellow vet in need.

[Sparky-30]

Brost, its an outright scam, it broke my heart to watch all these old veterans putting money into their scam, shame on you for that post, as a veteran I feel dishonered.

[Tbugs]

I think Brostholder seems like a very decent guy - and Sparky, I would not belittle him like you did.

If you do not want to donate money to a person because you believe it is part of a scam, don't donate. No one is holding a gun to your head. However, let everyone do what they want to do. Have respect and tolerance for others.

Do you think the "vets" asking for money are making tons of money doing this? They are either doing it for food, rent, or maybe even booze. They are not doing it to get rich but probably because they do not have a job for some reason. Do not condemn others because all of us could just be one step from where they are right now.

Remember Jesus' words: You fed me when I was hungry; you clothed me when I was naked. All part of being a Christian, Sparky.

[Sparky-30]

Is everyone burying their heads in the sand on this one, guys are dying defending our freedoms and you are taking up for these crooks, what the hell is the matter with you?
There are no vets in this, Helllllllllo

[chuckster]

Hey sparky.......chilout....might be someones brother, cousin, son, etc.............

[missyomama]

There were two of these guys at the Publix near Buenos Aires today around 2PM. They had a table set up with donation canisters at both the entrance and exit door. Do they have to have a permit to solicit donations in our shopping centers?

[brostholder]

Brost, its an outright scam, it broke my heart to watch all these old veterans putting money into their scam, shame on you for that post, as a veteran I feel dishonered.
Sparky, I certainly didn't mean to anger you. As I sit here typing this I am remembering friends who didn't make it back as well as those that did, but have struggled with unseen wounds and have not been able to be as successful in life as I have been. I will continue to give when someone asks, even if I am sometimes suspicious that he may be going home and using my money to put gas in his Ferrari. I also give to help fellow vets through other charities and other personal actions. The only reason I mention that is so you don't think that the dollar I give to someone is depriving someone else of that same dollar. Thank you for your service.
B

[Walt.]

These guys were in front of Walgreens at the Colony Plaza today (sunday).
Why would anybody give to these guys after finding out they're running a scam? Perhaps they think it's small change compared to the millions that the nice Nigerian fellow is sending.

[Sparky-30]

Brost I can see your heart is in the right place,but these guys are dishonering all our fighting and dying vets that took place. Please everyone, dont support these crooks.

[Tbugs]

I can see that Sparky is very sincere about this issue; but what about Christian compassion?

If you think it is a scam - confront them about it or call the police.

If you are not willing to do that - be tolerant of others.

[collie1228]

I'm a Vietnam vet, and like Sparky, I won't give to anyone unless they are from an organization I recognize. If there are guys/gals from the American Legion, VFW, Disabled Vets, etc., I open the wallet. For guys sitting in front of a K-Mart wearing fatigues and asking for donations, I'll be asking a bunch of questions and probably will want a verifiable internet reference before I give. I avoid giving money to any panhandlers, including those pretending to be vets.

[Tbugs]

Collie was saying he gives to veteran organizatons such as American Legion, DAV, VFW, etc when he sees them collecting money for projects. That is good - and I do also - when it is for specific projects.

It is surprising to lots of veterans who belong to these organizations (especially National Rifle Assn - even though that is not specifically for vets), that the organizations are big time lobbyists in Washington DC. They are no different than the lobbyists for healthcare, pharmacy products, or any other represented groups. The lobbyists take your dues and use them to try and buy influence with members of Congress or the staff members of Congressmen. Basically, it means the money you give in dues helps to buy lunch for a Congressman.

[l2ridehd]

I select 3 charities a year and when asked for donations I respond by saying I give to X Y and Z and if I was going to give more I would send it to one of them. Do the same with telephone requests. That way I know where the funds go, what they support and who gets the benefits. Usually two of the three are Fisher House and Salvation Army. And the one other changes year to year depending on events and needs. Taking this approach, the amount is somewhat controlled, I know how it's spent, and I select who, how much and when I support. Has worked well for me over the years.

[Sparky-30]

I stopped at the Marion County Sheriff's office in The Villages, told him about it and asked him to watch the video, I asked about a permit, he said on private property they dont need one.
My suggestion is to ask these guys in fatigues for Military ID.

[K9-Lovers]

Yes, please ask for a military ID. If you give money to crooks, you are guilty of encouraging the behavior of fraud, stealing, and cheating.

If you want to donate money to veterans, please take the time to make sure it really is going to veterans, or to homeless, or to others in need. Otherwise, you may be giving your money to evil-doers. That's not what you want, is it?

Go back up to the first post and take a few minutes to watch that video.

[collie1228]

Tbugs, you are entirely correct about the major veteran's organizations being lobbyists. That's why I try to limit my donations to my local legion or VFW post, where most of the money stays local, and never to the state or national organization if I can avoid it. I don't belong to the AARP for exactly that reason - I don't support their politics or their lobbying efforts and refuse to pay for them. I won't criticize anyone for donating. What they do with their hard-earned money is their business. But I'm not going to donate to anyone I don't know and trust.

[bkcunningham1]

Thank you Sparky-30 for the information. Lying, coveting and stealing are not only morally wrong; they are against God's commandments.

[Bryan]

These guys are dishonest scam artists - not vets (or possibly only Coincidentally vets). To give money to them only supports their dishonesty AND, to contribute to a scam makes you a participant (knowingly or unknowingly) in that scam. I think it is admirable to support vets and to contribute to their support. Just make your contributions count - give to a recognized organization that actually helps veterans - like the USO, DAV, American Legion, VFW, etc. Don't throw your money to con artists.

[cskjr2001]

The Veterans Support Organization is a fraud. The money it collects does not go to legitimate veterans support groups. Lets get these guys off our streets.