BALTIMORE, Md. – Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee announced Friday that the state has joined 18 others and the Federal Trade Commission in halting a nationwide fundraising scheme that allegedly misled donors who believed they were helping fund breast cancer screenings.
The complaint targets Kars-R-Us, Inc. and its operators, Michael Irwin and Lisa Frank, who collected more than $45 million between 2017 and 2022 on behalf of the United Breast Cancer Foundation. According to the FTC and state attorneys general, only $126,815 — or 0.28% — of those funds went toward actual breast cancer screening services.
“Kars-R-Us preyed on people’s generosity and compassion,” said Brown. “Marylanders donated their vehicles thinking they were helping save lives, but instead they were helping this company profit.”
A proposed settlement order permanently bans Irwin from fundraising and restricts Frank and Kars-R-Us from making false or misleading claims in any future fundraising or marketing efforts. The defendants face a $3.88 million judgment, which could be fully enforced if they are found to have misrepresented their finances.
Investigators said the company used TV, radio, and online ads in both English and Spanish to solicit car donations under the guise of supporting cancer patients. Of the more than 84,000 donors nationwide, roughly 1,624 Marylanders gave vehicles valued at over $1 million between 2018 and 2022.
Secretary Lee emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of charitable giving, noting that Maryland’s Office of the Secretary of State works closely with the Attorney General to regulate charities and prevent deceptive solicitation practices.
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“This case shows our commitment to ensuring donations made in good faith truly go toward helping those in need,” Lee said.
Officials encouraged residents to verify charitable organizations through the Maryland Secretary of State’s online registry before donating.
For Marylanders, the message is clear: give with heart — but check before you give.