Griffin: ‘Politicians, political parties and PACs are preying on our people’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement warning Arkansans about political fundraising solicitations that may soon be arriving over text messages and emails:

“As we approach the end of the quarter, some Arkansans may see their cellphones and computers bombarded with political fundraising appeals that falsely promise to ‘match’ a contribution. Politicians, political parties and PACs are preying on our people, who think their small-dollar contribution will be amplified by an anonymous donor.

“There’s rarely an actual donor who will match a person’s contribution, which makes such solicitations deceptive and subject to our laws. And, if there were an actual matching donor promising a ‘2X,’ ‘10X’ or even a ‘1500%’ contribution match, in most cases it would violate federal and Arkansas campaign contribution limits.

“While fundraising is an integral part of the political process, lying to Arkansas voters to raise a few more bucks is unacceptable. My office is granted broad authority to investigate scams under the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act and criminal code. I promise I will use that authority to protect Arkansans, and I urge citizens to report this kind of activity to my office.”

Griffin offered the following examples of possibly illegal campaign fundraising solicitations:

• The solicitation is usually for a small amount (less than $50) with a commitment to somehow amplify that small donation.
• The solicitation “promises” a matching contribution from an unidentified person.
• The amount of the “matching” contribution is expressed in multiples or in large percentages that could potentially exceed the campaign finance limits under federal or Arkansas law.

For more information on this and other consumer-related issues or to file a consumer complaint, visit ArkansasAG.gov or contact the Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or oag@arkansasag.gov.

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