Illinois AG Investigating Tornado Relief Scam

Illinois’ Attorney General has opened an investigation into a potential fundraising scam tied to tornado relief efforts in Washington, Ill., and other downstate Illinois communities.

Lisa Madigan said the Charitable Trust Bureau in the AG’s office received a complaint regarding Heroes Memorial Foundation, an unregistered, out-of-state entity raising funds for victims of the storms. Under Illinois law, fundraisers and charitable organizations are required to register each year with the AG’s office.

State investigators also are assisting local authorities in Washington, Ill., to monitor for consumer scams related to recovery and rebuilding efforts, the AG said.

“Unfortunately, in the wake of such devastation, we almost always receive reports of questionable fundraising efforts that try to take advantage of people wanting to help,” Madigan said in a statement.

She urged people to carefully investigate organizations seeking to collect funds for recovery efforts.