NORWALK—Dan Fredericks, a Norwalk resident, army veteran, and Disabled American Veterans organization member, is reaching out to the public to warn about charity scams—in person and by phone.

  • Both the Attorney General's Office and Better Business Bureau are warning donors to be aware of veteran charity scams
  • A Norwalk man claims a group called "Disabled Veterans of America" is making false promises to help veterans
  • Among tips offered by the AG to avoid being scammed are researching charities and watching out for organizations with similar names

“There are so many scams going around, saying they are veterans organizations and they are not veterans organizations or they are posing as veterans organizations," said Fredericks. "People call for a veterans organization, and want to donate. They're scamming you. A veterans organization will not call you.”

Although the Attorney General's Office says they are concerned about the issues raised by Fredericks and will investigate the matter further, they say they don't have any solicitation complaints or registration for a group called Disabled Veterans of America or “D-V-A.” 

However, the Attorney General's Office offers the following tips to avoid veterans charity scams:

  1. Research charities, and if you're considering a donation to an unfamiliar group, check its website first.
  2. Watch out for warning signs—don't provide credit card or banking information to unexpected callers.
  3. Avoid groups that pressure you to make donation decisions immediately—or who offer to pick up a gift at your home.
  4. Watch out for similar named organizations—scams often center on causes related to veteran, police and fire, natural disasters and cancer.

Representatives from the Better Business Bureau would not comment on camera or phone about this particular case, but say that service members, veterans and their families are more likely to be targeted for scams.

And those individuals lose 27 percent more money than the average consumer.

“Catch these guys, throw them in jail where they belong," said Fredericks. "If you have any doubts on an organization that is legit, call the veterans service office in your county. They have the resources and they can tell you flat out.” 

To search for a specific organization by name go to the Ohio Attorney General's website.