Business ProfileforVetmade Industries Inc

The following describes a government action that has been resolved by either a settlement or a decision by a court or administrative agency. If the matter is being appealed, it will be noted below.

In February 2019 Vetmade Industries, Inc. and John S. Campbell entered into a Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with Florida Attorney General's Office ( case number L18-3-1253). The Assurance settles allegations that the business was in connection with deceptive and unfair business practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce, including making false or misleading claims in charitable solicitations.

Under terms of the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance Vetmade Industries, Inc. and John S. Campbell has agreed to enter without any admission that they have violated the law and for the purpose of resolution of this matter with the Attorney General only.

During the Relevant Period, among other things, Vetmade Industries, Inc. engaged in the business of including, but limited to: receiving a portion of the proceeds from the sale of donated vehicles. holding the funds while providing little or no services to veterans, and directly and indirectly making false claims that " 93% of our funds go directly to the cause of helping our heroes.".

Vetmade Industries, Inc. received approximately Three Hundred Eight Thousand Dollars ($308,000.00) in proceeds from the sale of donated cars and engaged in potentially unfair and deceptive business practices, including making false or misleading claims in charitable solicitations in violation of FDUTPA. Vetmade Industries, Inc. maintain that approximately $50,000.00 of the proceeds have been or are being used to cover rent and other operational expenses.

Compliance Terms:

It is agreed by parties that Vetmade Industries, Inc.:

Shall not directly or indirectly cause, allow or make any false or misleading representations, or false and deceptive statements, in any communications with consumers about Vetmade, including but not limited to statements online or through any web site that describes Vetmade activities.

Vetmade is permanently restrained and enjoined from directly or indirectly engaging, participating or assisting in the solicitation of any donation or gift of money or any other thing of value( " Charitable Contributions) where Vetmade puports to be a nonprofit organization, charity or private foundation.

Vetmade is further restrained from receiving, directly or indirectly, and Charitable Contribution.

For a period of five (5) years from the effective date Mr. John Campbell is restrained and enjoined from:

Receiving any payment or other financial benefit by engaging in, participating in, or assisting in the solicitation of Charitable Contributions, directly or indirectly.

Controlling, directly or indirectly, or holding a majority ownership interest in any entity engaged in the business of inducing Charitable Contributions.

Establishing, operating, controlling, or managing any nonprofit organization, charity, private foundation or any other entity that holds charitable assets, or any program thereof, directly or indirectly whether compensated or not including by serving as an officer, director, trustee, chief executive, manager, supervisor, incorporator, or other fiduciary.

Managing, controlling, directing, distributing or accounting for the use of application of any charitable assets, or engaging, participation, or assisting in managing, controlling, direction, distributing, or accounting for the use or application of any charitable asset, directly or indirectly, whether compensated or not, including by acting as an independent contractor, advisor, or consultant.

Monetary terms

It is agreed by the parties that Vetmade Industries, Inc. and John S. Campbell deliver a cashiers or certified check in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) Donation and neither Vetmade Industries, Inc. and John S. Campbell will claim any tax deduction, credit or other benefit related to any charitable contributions.

To avoid charity scams, Floridians should:

Research before giving. Search the charity's name online with words such as: scam or complaint. Look up the charity's name on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website or research the organization using CharityWatch.org, CharityNavigator.org and Give.org;
Avoid paying with cash, gift cards or wire transfers. Payment by these methods is difficult to track and therefore, difficult to recover. Consider donating by using a credit card, which tends to be more secure and trackable;
Be sure to know and trust the professional fundraiser who offers to send a courier to pick up a check or cash donation;
Research the charity name and do not be swayed by the name of the charity alone. Often, charity names are selected to have an emotional impact on specific groups of donors. For example, many veterans' charity names often include the following words: veterans, heroes, wounded, injured and warriors. This doesn't always mean the charity will donate to the named groups or prioritize this group above others; and
Ask what percentage of donations support charitable services. Also, ask for the charity's name, web address, physical location and phone number. It is a red flag if the charity or fundraiser is unwilling to answer questions.

The Florida Attorney General's Office publishes the Military Consumer Protection Guide annually with additional information for donors, service members, veterans and their families. To view the latest guide, click here. Attorney General Moody's Scams at a Glance program highlights other military or veteran related scams and can be accessed here.

The Florida Attorney General's Office also has a Military and Veterans Assistance Program to help raise awareness and assist military members and veterans on types of scams that target their communities. For more information on MVAP, click here.

If anyone is aware of a scam targeting our service members, veterans, or their families, they should report it to the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.