Small Donations: The Scam Robocalls

In June 2021, a charity named “Helping Hands for America’s Veterans” launched what was supposed to be an ambitious fundraising campaign. The goal was to raise $89 million in small online donations.

The idea was simple: soliciting donations through automated robocalls made to Americans across the country. The message was compelling: Americans were called upon to support the troops and the veterans who sacrificed for the country. Many were motivated to donate, even just a small amount.

But what was behind this ambitious fundraising campaign? And where did the $89 million go?

The Investigation

The New York Times and Unlisted News have been investigating the scam robocalls and the charity behind them. What we found was shocking: the fundraising campaign was a complete scam.

The charity behind the campaign, “Helping Hands for America’s Veterans,” was a shell organization. It had no real presence, no meaningful activities, and no actual connection to the troops and veterans it claimed to help.

Instead, the charity was run by a group of scammers who used the robocalls to extract money from unsuspecting Americans. Once the money was collected, it was quickly dispersed through a tangled web of offshore bank accounts and shell companies, making it nearly impossible to trace.

One of the key figures behind the scheme is a man named Jackson Chen, a shadowy character who has been associated with several other scams and frauds. Chen created the shell charity and hired telemarketers to make the robocalls. These telemarketers were told to use high-pressure tactics to get as many people as possible to donate, even if it was just a few dollars.

The Tactics

The tactics used by the scammers were sophisticated and manipulative. One of the most effective was to use fake names and social media profiles to create the illusion of a grassroots movement.

The scammers also used targeted messages to appeal to specific groups of people. For example, they would make calls to areas with a large population of veterans or military families and use language that resonated with those groups.

Another tactic was to use fake endorsements from celebrities, politicians, and other public figures. These endorsements were often made up or taken out of context, but they were effective in convincing people to donate.

The Disappearance

So where did the $89 million go? As mentioned earlier, the money was quickly dispersed through a web of offshore bank accounts and shell companies. Some of the money was used to pay the telemarketers and the other scammers involved in the scheme. The rest was likely laundered through various investment vehicles or used to fund other illegal activities.

Given the complexity of the scheme and the use of offshore accounts, it is unlikely that the money will ever be recovered. The scammers behind the campaign have likely moved on to other scams and are continuing to exploit vulnerable Americans for their own gain.

Conclusion

The scam robocalls and the charity behind them are a clear example of the dangers of online fundraising and the need for stronger regulation. At a time when more and more people are turning to online donations, it is important for consumers to be vigilant and do their research before giving money to any organization.

The case also highlights the need for stronger law enforcement and greater international cooperation to track down and prosecute those responsible for these types of scams. Only by working together can we hope to put an end to these fraudulent activities.

In the meantime, it is important for consumers to remain vigilant and avoid falling for these types of scams. If you receive a robocall asking for donations, do your research and make sure the organization is legitimate before giving any money. And if you suspect you have been the victim of a scam, report it to the authorities immediately.