HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Connecticut is participating in a joint multi-state and federal operation to stop a nationwide charity robocall scam, State Attorney General William Tong announced Thursday.
The Federal Trade Commission along with Connecticut and 38 states, territories and the district are taking action against tele-fundraising company Associated Community Services (ACS) and its leadership, according to Tong.
"ACS bombarded people across the country with 1.3 billion deceptive fundraising calls, targeting 67 million consumers causing more than $110 million in damage," Tong said.
In Connecticut, ACS made over 34 million deceptive calls, he said.
The robocalls scammed people into giving up money for fake charity fundraising efforts such as Cancer Awareness Month, Tong said.
"We're putting them out of business," Tong said, by forcing ACS to pay a $110 million penalty charge for the damage caused across the country. Any funds collected from ACS will be distributed across participating states in the joint force, he said.
Tong warns residents to be cautious of scammers and robocalls claiming to be making charity fundraising efforts.
When answering such a call, Tong said, "Take a name. Take a number. Hang up the phone and then make a fresh call on your own. You initiate if you want to help somebody out or give to a worthy cause."
He also warns residents of other possible schemes, such as scammers asking for personal financial information for services like booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Tong urges consumers in Connecticut to sign up for the Do Not Call Registry.