Three sued for alleged charity fundraising scam

The State Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division has filed a lawsuit against William S. Terry and Herbert L. Terry, both of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, and Vicky Perdue of Proctorville, Ohio
The three are charged with violating West Virginia consumer protection laws in the marketing and sale of personal computers and other electronic goods.

According to the complaint, the parties represented to consumers that they had started a charitable organization called Mikayla’s Place that was affiliated with Autism Speaks, a Delaware charitable organization.
The defendants allegedly said they were raising money for a camp for autistic and other special needs children by selling laptop computers that had been donated by corporate sponsors and government agencies.

In reality, the defendants were purchasing the computers at liquidation sales and surplus auctions, according to Attorney General Darrell McGraw.
Neither the defendants nor Mikayla’s Place were registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office to solicit funds for a charity.

McGraw said his office became aware of the scam when consumers began calling the Consumer Protection Division. State residents complained they had ordered laptop computers because they were told the money was for charity. They were charged $50 for each computer. Most never received a computer and many never received a refund.

“Consumers must be wary of anyone who contacts them raising funds for any charitable organization,” McGraw warned. “Consumers should always contact the Secretary of State’s office to ensure the organization is, in fact, a charity.”

West Virginians who purchased merchandise in connection with fundraising for Mikayla’s Place can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-800-368-8808.