Cancer Charities Hit With Fraud Charges, Feds Say They Stole $187M From Donors

Via USA Today:

Charities that claimed their funds were helping patients fighting cancer but were actually spending the bulk of donations on vacations, concerts and other luxurious perks are facing federal charges that they stole more than $187 million from consumers in one of the biggest charity fraud cases ever filed. The Federal Trade Commission, along with law enforcement officials throughout the U.S., filed the complaint against the Cancer Fund of America, Children's Cancer Fund of America, The Breast Cancer Society and Cancer Support Services, along with several of those organizations' executives.

"The defendants' egregious scheme effectively deprived legitimate cancer charities and cancer patients of much-needed funds and support," Jessica Rich, director of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement. "The defendants took in millions of dollars in donations meant to help cancer patients, but spent it on themselves and their fundraisers. I'm pleased that the FTC and our state partners are acting to end this appalling scheme."

The Children's Cancer Fund of America and its president and executive director, Rose Perkins [PHOTO], along with The Breast Cancer Society and its executive director, James Reynolds II, and Cancer Support Services' chief financial officer, Kyle Effler, have agreed to settle the charges that they are facing. The three executives will be barred from managing charities, fundraising and overseeing charity assets. The Children's Cancer Fund of America and The Breast Cancer Society will also go out of business. The other parties in the complaint will continue to face legal action.

NOM Hate March Attendee: We Were Told This Would Be An Immigration Rally

As we suspected, New York Sen. Ruben Diaz scammed his constituents just like he did last year. Check out the guy at 0:44.

Mike Huckabee: I Never Tried The "Miracle Diabetes Cure" That I've Been Pitching

The New York Times reports:

In his diabetes video, Mr. Huckabee promotes the “Diabetes Solution Kit,” a $19.95 booklet with advice on eating, exercise and dietary supplements. “Just sit tight,” he says in the two-minute, 40-second pitch, “because in a moment, a free presentation is coming up.” He promises it will reveal “all the natural secrets that are backed by real science that really work.” But rather than science, the second, lengthier video peddles a diabetes “cure” consisting of cinnamon and chromium picolinate. Both the American Diabetes Association and the Canadian Diabetes Association warn that dietary and herbal supplements are ineffective for treating diabetes, which is an epidemic in the United States and is tied to obesity.

“Most big pharma companies don’t know squat about how to reverse your diabetes,” the video says. Mr. Huckabee, who lost more than 100 pounds after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2003, says in the video, “Techniques just like you’re going to find in this kit worked for me.” Asked this month at an appearance in Iowa if he had used cinnamon and chromium picolinate to reverse his diabetes, he said he had not. “No, I reversed it by taking better care of my health,” he said. Pressed about the dietary supplements promoted by the company he endorses, for which he was paid an undisclosed fee, he said: “I’ll do anything that promotes good health. Yes, sir.”

Subscribers to Huckabee's mailing list have also received a pitch for a "miracle cancer cure hidden in the bible." That one costs $72.

The Great Tea Party PAC Scams

National Review columnist Jonah Goldberg today points to a just-released study which shows that tens of millions of dollars donated to Tea Party-affiliated PACs went nowhere. And by nowhere, he means into somebody's pockets, but not the candidates'. Goldberg excerpts from the study:

How many conservative candidates lost in 2014 because of a lack of funds? How many of them came up short in primaries, lost winnable seats or desperately tried to fight off better-funded challengers? How much of a difference would another 50 million dollars have made last year? That’s a very relevant question because the 10 PACs at the bottom of this list spent $54,318,498 and only paid out $3,621,896 to help get Republicans elected. If that same $54,318,498 had gone to the Club for Growth Action PAC and it had been as efficient with it as it was with the money it had, $47,800,278 would have gone to Republican candidates instead of the meager $3,621,896 that those candidates received from those 10 PACs during this cycle. The conservative movement has a right to expect more than this from the PACs that are representing it.

Many commenters at the National Review are screaming, "Yeah, but the RNC is so much worse!"

Feds Fine Online Dating Company For Scamming Money Via Fake Profiles

Via The Hill:

England-based company JDI Dating and its owner, Mark Thomas, were the target of the $616,165 fines. The settlement forbids the company from misrepresenting facts about the service or its cancellation policy in the future. "JDI Dating used fake profiles to make people think they were hearing from real love interests and to trick them into upgrading to paid memberships,” said the FTC's Jessica Rich, who directs consumer protection at the agency. The company, which operates 18 websites, was accused of using computer generated profiles to send messages to users who had created free profiles. The FTC found that messages sent to users who created these free profiles were "almost always fake." Customers could not respond to other members unless they signed up for a subscription fee, usually $10 to $30 a month. The company boasts 12 million members on its website. "The fake profiles and messages caused many users to upgrade to paid subscriptions," the FTC said in a release.

Among JDI Dating's websites are Get Flirting, Flirt Crowd, and Naughty Over Forty. The FTC rejected the company's claim that its posted disclaimer about "virtual cupids" (embiggen the image above) was adequate notice that some messages are fake. The company claims to have 12 million members across its 18 sites.

AFA Launches Idaho Petition

From the American Family Association:

TAKE ACTION: Once again, homosexual bullies have targeted Christian-owned businesses in their attempt to silence all opposition to their sinful lifestyle. Coeur d'Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer is the chief executive officer for the city. We have prepared an email you can send to Mayor Widmyer. Or, you can call Mayor Widmyer or post a comment to the city’s Facebook page or Twitter. Urge Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter to get involved and defend Christian-based businesses in Idaho. Encourage him to publicly speak out in support of Donald and Evelyn Knapp's right to religious freedom of speech. One thing is for sure. If you fail to speak out, more pastors and ministers will soon face the relentless anti-Christian wrath of homosexual activists.

Read it here.

REPORT: Sarah Palin's Personal PAC Is Pretty Much Just A Huge Scam

Via Open Secrets:

Out of $1.4 million the PAC had available in the third quarter — $978,000 sitting in the bank at the beginning of the July 1-Sept. 30 period, plus another more than $433,000 raised during that time — SarahPAC managed to donate just $45,000 to fellow Republicans running in the midterms. That’s a little more than 3 percent. For the two-year 2014 cycle, the former Alaska governor’s PAC, a vehicle that helps her stay in the game amid talk that she may run in the 2016 presidential contest, has raised $2.5 million on top of more than $1.1 million that was in the bank at the start of the cycle. It has spent $2.7 million, with about $150,000 — or 5.5 percent — going to candidates.

What did SarahPAC spend most of its money on, then, in the third quarter? Many of the same consultants she has used all along — for speechwriting, fundraising, logistics and research. There’s even someone paid to consult on “coalitions.” Travel, presumably for Palin, is part of the equation; a PAC like this is useful for keeping a high profile nationally without having to pay those pesky airline and hotel tabs out of personal funds. And the PAC sent $10,885 to HarperCollins — publisher of all three of Palin’s books — for “books for donor fulfillment.” That wasn’t the only book purchase by the committee: A lump sum of $13,000 was listed as being spent for “lodging, SUV rental, books for donors.”

So that's about $2.5M for Palin and her non-candidate cronies so far. One of the "lucky few" to actually receive SarahPAC dough is anti-gay Duck Dynasty clan cousin and GOP House candidate Zach Dasher, whose campaign slogan is "My platform begins with God." All of this, by the way, is perfectly legal.

Exorcism Of The Day

Clip recap: "Energodar, Ukraine is home to the largest nuclear plant in Europe. It will also be remembered as the place where a drug addict name Anton with violent demons came the Christ and was delivered. Watch as seven men struggle to restrain Anton. This exorcism is translated into Russian." Acting! In Russian!

Exorcism Of The Day

Clip recap: "During Bob's latest mission to Ukraine, thousands were delivered and experienced spiritual freedom! One of those was Tamara who was suicidal because of rejection from her father. This exorcism starts slowly but you must see the end."

IRELAND: US-Based Church To Hold HIV "Cure" Sessions Using Industrial Bleach

Via the Independent:

A controversial American Church which is coming to Ireland this weekend is promising a “miracle” cure for patients – but it is, in fact, industrial-strength bleach. The Genesis II Church will hold an event in Monkstown in Dublin over the weekend. On its website it is advertising the event as including access to its “miracle mineral solution” which, it claims, can “remove” a number of serious conditions including cancer, HIV and autism. However, the product – which is also known as MMS – has been banned in a number of countries including the US and the UK because tests by health and food watchdogs identified it as an “industrial-strength bleach”. Health watchdogs here, contacted by the Irish Examiner newspaper, have also issued warnings. It is understood that those planning to attend the seminar over the weekend will be asked to pay a €295 compulsory donation. The church has a number of Irish members.

From the church's "our beliefs" page:

Spirituality is beyond definition by governments. It is the stuff of natural law, which is shaped by immortal forces and not by humankind. Statutes, constitutions and judicial rulings are created by humankind based on their best, but limited, understanding of how things work. Natural law was here before we humans arrived and will be here long after we are gone. It cannot be governed by mortal minds. The Genesis II Church is unique, as it was formed for the purpose of serving mankind and not for the purpose of worship. Thus the religious beliefs of our members and of other churches are not our business.

Exorcism Of The Day

Acting!

Jason struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, and he had demons that will make you jump out of your seat! Hundreds of years ago his ancestors practiced human sacrifice! This is what it led to today. You must witness what happened after the exorcism. It will touch your heart like few things you're ever seen.

KENTUCKY: Crackpot "Ex-Gay" Preacher Erects Billboard In Downtown Louisville

AdWeek reports:

Controversial ministry Abba's Delight has put up a billboard in Louisville, Ky., that targets "people of faith who are uncomfortable with their same-sex attractions." Abba's Delight founder Daniel Mingo says the billboard, which tells unhappy gay people that "you have options," was intended to be a helpful message, so he was taken aback by the negative feedback he's gotten. Gay reform ministries are quackery to begin with, but they usually aren't this passive-aggressive. Abba's Delight is still denouncing homosexuality and claiming it's incompatible with religious faith, but if gay people are happy being sinful and wrong, this ministry seems to say, they can have at it.

Abba's Delight? Seriously? From their about page:

Abba’s Delight was founded in April 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky by Daniel Mingo, the Ministry Director. It is a Christian, Biblically based ministry, inter-denominational in nature. As a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, Abba’s Delight seeks to be funded by donations from churches, individuals, businesses, and from ministry service fees. The ministry serves the Louisville, KY and Southern IN areas, and beyond. Abba’s Delight was established to provide ministry opportunities through a relationship with Jesus Christ and His church to those who are sexually broken. Though the ministry’s main focus is towards those who initiate contact with us dealing with unwanted same gender attractions, we are equipped and experienced in working with heterosexual brokenness as well.

And about the "ex-gay" preacher:

Daniel Mingo became a born-again Christian at age 17, yet for nearly 30 years secretly involved himself in homosexual activity through anonymous encounters. Intensely pursuing discipleship in Jesus while dying to the temptations of same sex attractions proved a monumental internal conflict, yet Daniel neither took on a gay identity nor immersed himself in the gay culture. Realizing he had been feeding a sexual addiction for nearly 30 years, Daniel went into recovery in 1993 through mentor counseling and attending support/recovery group meetings, and continues that overcoming process today.

All "ex-gays" are selling something. All of them.

VIDEO: Below is a report from a Louisville television station, which includes a reaction from the Kentucky Fairness Campaign.

GOP Uses URLs With Names Of Dems To Phish For Campaign Donations

NBC News reports:

Republicans are defending a series of websites they established that appear to support Democratic candidates for Congress, but instead direct contributions to the GOP. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) said its websites were not confusing, and accused Democrats of crying foul because their candidates were struggling. The sites, like this one for Arizona Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, feature a "Kyrsten Sinema for Congress" banner, and a picture of the first-term congresswoman from a competitive Maricopa County district. The sites also display a clear, but smaller secondary banner, urging contributions to "help defeat" (in this case) Sinema. At the bottom of the page, it features an NRCC disclaimer."Democrats are clearly pitching stories on these effective websites because they are worried about voters learning the truth about their candidates' disastrous records," said NRCC spokeswoman Andrea Bozek. "Anyone who reads the website understand these are negative attacks. Also as required our disclaimer is at the bottom."

According to the GOP, if you complain about this you are a stupid crybaby. Can you imagine the screaming if the Democrats had pulled this?

Feds Crack Down On Scam Diets

A total of $34M in fines, but the products can stay on the market. 

Sensa Products, LLC was also cited for compensating consumers who endorsed Sensa. The consumers received between $1,000 and $5,000 and free trips to Los Angeles for their statements. Sensa Products part-owner and creator Dr. Alan Hirsch, who provided expert opinion, was also said to make statements that were not backed up by scientific evidence. Hirsch and company CEO Adam Goldenberg are banned from making any future weight-loss claims about dietary supplements, foods, or drugs unless it is supported by two controlled, human clinical studies. They cannot make any health-related claims unless they have scientific evidence, and must disclose any connection they have with any product they promote.

LeanSpa LLC promoted an acai berry and “colon cleanse” weight-loss supplement called LeanSpa through sites that were made to look like news organizations. LeanSpa's principal Boris Mizhen and three companies will give up $7 million worth of cash and assets, while Mizhen’s wife, Angelina Strano, will be responsible for $300,000. Strano accepted money from the company, but did not participate in selling the product. The company allegedly charged $79.99 for trying LeanSpa, and made it difficult to cancel recurring monthly shipments. The company can no longer bill consumers for products or services on a recurring basis unless they opt into that option.

My favorite was the skin cream that totally makes you thinner.

Church Of Scientology Dedicates Massive "Superpowers" Headquarters In Florida

After 15 years of construction, the Church of Scientology has dedicated a massive new headquarters building in St. Petersburg, Florida. The upper floors of the building will be devoted to unleashing the dozens of superpowers that we all apparently possess.

“Super Power,” first unveiled by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, is one's ability to hone in on 57 senses called "perceptics." The original five senses — sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch — were found not enough. The Flag Building, nicknamed the "Super Power" building, will specifically feature exclusive programs on expanding one’s “perceptics.” Among its generally secretive program's features is an antigravity simulator, various exercise machines, and a gyroscope-like apparatus that spins blindfolded riders around, a scientologist previously told the Tampa Bay Times after attending similar courses in Los Angeles. The spinning contraption is said to improve perception of compass direction, one of the 57 "perceptics." Some of the other "perceptics" the programs aim to help members master are personal size, blood circulation, fields/magnetic, sound direction, emotional state of groups, and perception of conclusions (past and present).

One of those 57 superpowers has got to be creating an illusion of heterosexuality.

HAWAII: NOM Launches Anti-Gay Marriage Campaign, Pretends To Be Hawaiian

Oh brother. Watch this and be amazed as the entirely Catholic NOM plays Hawaiian music, talks about "our people," and uses the Hawaiian word for children, "keiki."

Exorcism Of The Day

Clip recap:

Tanya was a 28-year-old woman who started taking drugs at age 14. She had overwhelming guilt over something that happened to her, which she confidentially shared with Bob. One thing was certain that she had a lot of demons, including Murder. The demon was so resistant that it took four strong men to drag her up to the stage for an exorcism.

Acting!

Pat Robertson To The Poor: Don't Stop Tithing Or God Won't Cure Your Diseases

In today's "Bring It Online" segment on the 700 Club, Pat Robertson fielded an email from an elderly woman who is living on Social Security and wonders if it would be a sin to stop tithing in order to help pay her sick husband's medical bills. Robertson responded: "Read carefully what the bible has to say in Malachi. He says, 'Prove me with your tithes and offerings and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake.' Your husband has all these medical problems because the devourer has not been rebuked! You need to rebuke him, you give your tithes faithfully and God, he says, 'I will rebuke the devourer, the person who is eating up your money and eating up your health.' So, you want to be healthy, that's a promise in the word!" Start at the 3:20 mark in the clip below.

Exorcism Of The Day

Clip recap: "Bob Larson and the Teenage Exorcists went to London recently, and encountered many demons of witchcraft. Beth had a curse going back 17 generations to Freemasonry. Watch as the Teenage Exorcists take over and tell the demon where to go!" Acting! The bit at 1:45 is especially funny.

BBC Reports On Teen Exorcists

As I've previously reported, the three daughters of crackpot exorcist Bob Larson, whose clips have appeared here for years, have gotten their own reality show. Today the BBC talks to the girls.

"Every single country has a specific kind of demon," says Tess, 18, who loves music and reading. They believe that the UK in particular is a hotbed for "witchcraft", because of the popularity of J K Rowling's Harry Potter books. "The spells and things that you're reading in the Harry Potter books, those aren't just something that are made up, those are actual spells. Those are things that came from witchcraft books," says Tess. The teens see themselves as "freedom fighters". During an exorcism they brandish silver crosses and Bibles while confronting the so-called demon to make it return to hell. "I'd have to say my special skills [are] probably the enforcer or the lead exorcist. I can take on those demons," says Brynne. The teenage exorcists are greeted on stage as if they were celebrities. There is applause and they announce to the audience that they look forward to "kicking some demon butt". But Brynne denies that it's a theatrical performance.

(Tipped by JMG reader Leon)