A charity claiming to raise funds to support veterans has been shut down following an investigation by Kansas and other states into its solicitation practices. Since March 2015, VietNow, also identifying itself as VeteransNow, using telemarketing, told potential donors that it gave a minimum of 12 percent after expenses back to veterans in the donor’s state.

Investigations revealed that VietNow had not funded any programs related to veterans, but that most of the nearly $2 million raised nationwide was paid to fundraisers, with less than 5 percent going to charitable programs.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt urged Kansans to do their homework when donating to charities. “Ask for written information, be careful with telemarketers, don’t feel obligated to contribute or pledge, and support well-established charities on your own terms”, he said.