Oregon Department of Justice

Out-of-state charity and its telemarketer must stay out of Oregon

Attorney General John Kroger today announced a settlement that puts a stop to a telemarketing scheme that misled Oregon consumers about money it was raising for search and rescue teams.

"Search and rescue team members risk their lives to save Oregonians and play a crucial role in public safety," Attorney General Kroger said. "Oregonians who want to help search and resuce efforts need to know that their donations are going to legitimate charities."

Today's settlement is with A Growing Concern, LTD., a Washington-based company that solicited donations on behalf of Search and Rescue Charities, also of Washington.

An Oregon Department of Justice investigation uncovered evidence that A Growing Concern repeatedly deceived Oregon consumers, including falsely claiming that donations would support local search and rescue efforts.

The settlement prohibits the companies from operating in Oregon for at least three years and requires A Growing Concern to pay a total of $5,000. The companies could have to pay an additional $20,000 if they violate any terms of the agreement and an additional $25,000 for each violation.

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department's mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.