Why would someone do that?

[R13]

What an a-hole.

CHARLESTON, S.C. ? The Salvation Army thought it had received a grand gift ahead of Christmas ? a $25,000 check. But the donation turned out to be an expensive hoax that may force the charity to cut back on winter assistance for the needy.

Investigators said Wednesday that more than a dozen Charleston-area charities received fake checks before Christmas purporting to be gifts from a genuine local company.

None of the other charities cashed theirs, but the Salvation Army deposited its check. It went ahead and spent some of the money on food and toys for about 100 families, counting on the check to clear.

The bank called two days before Christmas to say the check had bounced, and the agency was left with less money than planned to help the needy this cold January.

"It's a matter of counting on that so we would have a cushion," said Kiki Cooper, the director of development for the local chapter. She said the single check represented about 10 percent of what the Salvation Army typically raises during the holiday season.

The check and accompanying letter appeared to come from Force Protection Inc., an armored vehicle manufacturer in Ladson. The letter said the company had enjoyed success and wanted to share with local charities.

Other charities called the company about the unsolicited donations and Force Protection sent out a memo Dec. 17 ? the same day the Salvation Army deposited their check ? saying it had been the victim of a holiday scam.

Officers were investigating but there had been no arrests in the case as of Wednesday, said Maj. John Clark of the Charleston County Sheriff's Department.

Tommy Pruitt, a spokesman for Force Protection, said the checks were written on a company bank account that had been closed months ago. He said he did not want to speculate on who might be responsible.

Cooper said the check arrived at the busiest time of year for the charity.

"People say why don't you check every check? We have old ladies who send us a dollar and we're talking at this time of year we have anywhere from 500 to 1,000 checks coming in a week," she said.

Cooper said people were already offering to help offset the loss.

"We've actually had a couple of people walking in dropping off $20. We have that at Christmas, never in January," she said.

Nationally, the Salvation Army raises about $500 million each holiday season ? about 40 percent of its yearly donations.

Gift checks sometimes bounce or credit card charges get rejected, said Jennifer Byrd, a spokeswoman for the national organization. "But it's so inconsequential in the overall giving we receive."

Salvation Army left short of cash by fake SC check - Yahoo! News

[Gotch]

It was probably aimed at embarrassing the company. Sounds like it was an ex-employee. Hope they get caught soon. My guess is that they have a pretty good idea who it was.

[cosmo99]

Because some people are getting more heartless each day. Disrespect,inhumanity,selfishness, and revenge are running rampant through people anymore. It seems people just don't care. Its sickening!

**stepping off my soapbox now**

[7teen]

Like the article says, I'd be willing to bet the Salvation Army gets some donations now in January that will help offset the loss. I wouldn't be surprised at all if some business donates $25,000 now to make up for it.

[collegetrumpet2010]

People need to learn to have a heart.

[ndn_fan]

Good point, 7teen - now that this story is getting so much attention, it would be a major PR success for any company that stepped up to the plate and donated $25,000.

[1inStripes]

Also it shows the lack of judgement on those at that Salvation Army for going ahead and couting on it untill it cleared though. It is ridiculous that someone would pull stunts like this though.

[imported_elp6n]

It would be wise with checks of that size to call the issuing bank to see if the account is valid and has funds to clear. We do that at work all the time - it's a big help.

[centennialdawg]

I don't give to the Salvation Army, period.

[Gotch]

Back in the 80's I did some work with a consumer rights organization that was closely connected with Ralph Nader. I remember back then that the Salvation army was named number one among all charities several years in a row by this organization and other similar ones. The criteria was primarily honesty and efficacy.