The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-03-04
RY LOWELL NIIssRAITM


Without any regulation, numerous
frauds are being worked on the pub
lie in solicitation of funds for
alleged charitable purposes, many
Of which are more or less fraudu-
lent. or not wisely planned, man
aged, or controlled.
Frequently, the funds are not
used for the intended purpose but
rather for the benefit of the COL
lector.
Housewives and business men
alike often are approached with re-
quests to buy tickets or contribute
to funds being raised for churches,
lodges, missions, doubtful poor re-
lief organizations and other charity
purposes
Undoubtedly some of these solic-
itations are meritorious and funds
collected actually are used for
worthwhile purposes, but in many
cases this is not so.
Numerous solicitors have sought
funds here in the name Of charity
and religion, spending usually from
one-half to all their income for
their own personal welfare and en-
joyment.
Public Is Fooled
BY use of titles, pseudo uniforms,
and general appearance, they are
able to fool the public, as the aver
mi r.,
such organizations, does not dis
tinguish them from the workers in
real and worthy charity organiza-
tions whose missions and welfare
stations render an admirable serv-
ice to humanity in the community.
Investigation Of such appeals al
ways is wise before giving. Prac-
tically every housewife in the city
has been visited by a well-dresseG
salesman who begins his converse"
ton by sayin@
Good morning, Madam, I am
calling this morning from an or
ganization supporting a children's
home-an orphanage for little chill
dren. I am not begging or asking
donations, and vii not accept char
ity."
Probed by Business Bureau
After dwelling upon the sad state
of children who have lost their
mothers, he explains he is selling
extracts and other kitchen supplies,
profits from which go to support
an orphanage in an eastern city
caring for 100 to $50 orphans.
The salesman represents firm
maintaining. an Indianapolis office
and having a number of statesmen
making house-to-house solicitations
here. Similar branch Offices are
maintained in many other cities.
This matter has been the subject
Of extensive investigation by the
Better Business Bureau.
These statesmen often obtain
nearly double the ordinary grocery
prices for many Of their articles,
according to T. M. Overley, bureau
manager.
eff pressed for details, these
statesmen will admit only 10 per cent
of the profits go to the orphanage,"
he said, land we can not learn by
what method the company computes
the profits.
Decision in Doubt
1--WE estimate that out of a 81
sale, only 2 or cents goes to the
orphanage, while the salesman gets
probably As cents and the company
makes an estimated profit of IS or
30 cents.
eve are unable to learn either
from the company or from the or
phanage how much money the or
phanage receives each year"
Overley said it is questionable
whether the articles sold in this
manner are as good as can be OBJ
tanned for much less money at
local store, and suggested much
more good could be done by an out-
right donation to local char
liable organization.
Another annoying practice fought
try is the mail order racket.
Racket Through Mail
Nearly every one in the city, at
one time or another, has received
neckties, initiated handkerchiefs,
perfume or other unordered mer-
chandise through the mail with
plea that it be accepted and pay
ment Gin most cases an exorbitant
price, be RENTED.
Sometimes the merchandise comes
from an alleged war veteran, or
blind man seeking an honest liv-
ing so the literature says.
Large profits are made by I'M
scrupulous firms operating in this
manner, the bureau asserts.
1t advises that recipients of such
unordered merchandise are not re-
quired to send money in payment
or return the merchandise.
Way to Kill Evil
Recipients should give the mer-
ohandise reasonable care for a rea-
sonable length of time, to absolye
themselves of responsibility for it
In addition, the bureau advises
those receiving the merchandise
may, if they wish, write the COM
pany, notifying its officials the
goods are being stored in the re-
cipents home at a specified daily
storage charge. and that if not
called for within specified time, ii
will be sold to pay the storage
charges.
General observance of this prac-
tice ny the public soon would kill
the unordered merchandise evil, Of
flcials say,