Missouri Attorney General Joshua Hawley, R, says a settlement has been reached between 24 states and VietNow National Headquarters, Inc., resulting in the organization’s closure.
In its most recent financial statement, the Illinois nonprofit corporation reported raising nearly $2 million nationwide. But most of this cash was paid to fundraisers, with less than 5% of funds raised going to its purported charitable programs. Investigations revealed that Vietnow also made deceptive claims to Missourians about actually helping veterans in Missouri and providing “medical facilities and treatment” to veterans.
The settlement resolves the allegations and investigations by appointing a receiver to dissolve VietNow. It also obtains relief against VietNow’s directors and officers and requires their cooperation in investigations of VietNow’s professional fundraisers. Upon termination, VietNow’s remaining funds will be paid to two national and well-respected veterans’ charities: Fisher House Foundation and Operation Homefront.
“My Office will continue to aggressively pursue those who take advantage of the generosity of Missourians, especially when they dishonor the memories and families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Hawley says. “Our service members will not be dishonored in this way.”
Missourians who believe they have received telemarketing calls from Vietnow or other deceptive charities are encouraged to file a complaint by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or by visiting https://ago.mo.gov/app/consumercomplaint online.
