Individuals Posing as Veterans Support Organization Scam Donors

Last week it was Monroe, Ga., this week Snellville.

On Aug. 20, Jon Gravley, called Snellville Police to report a scam.

"I went down to the buffet to get a late lunch this past Monday," said Gravley, "and was surprised to see a former work program participant set up at the Big Lots next to the buffet in Snellville collecting money to 'help local veterans.'"

Gravley is the manager of the Georgia VSO branch and provides jobs and housing to homeless veterans. 

When Gravley's assistant went in to speak with the manager at Big Lots, the manager expressed surprise at the fact that the suspect was not with Gravley's group. 

When Snellville police arrived and questioned the suspect, he said that he started a new nonprofit called Veterans Associate Group, which raises money for veterans. They were handing out literature published by Gravley's organization. 

Gravley said that this is becoming common, and that he saw the same thing happen in Monroe last week. Sometimes they go by the name of Society for Homeless Veterans.

"It is causing some serious problems with our relationship with some of the stores," said Gravley, "as they've been rude to donors and store employees."

Gravley is calling and visiting as many stores as possible to educate them on what to look for when a veterans support group comes to them. 

According to Snellville Police, the impersonators had a registered trade name, but were not licensed to collect donations. Nor were they a 501c3 nonprofit, as defined by the state. 

Members of the Veterans Support Organization carry a copy of all their licensing in a professional binder, including their 501c3 status, state registration, liability insurance, and thank you letters from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their shirts are light green with an American flag on the sleeve and organization name on the breast pocket.  

The suspects wore polo shirts with an iron-on "Proud to be a Veteran" badge.

The best way to verify whether a group is legitimate is to verify with volunteer services at the Department of Veterans Affairs.