Got a question: So if I give money to a nonprofit, with an understanding that they are in need of my donations, and then I find out that the nonprofit is not only in no need of my financial help because they are fabulously wealthy, but they have also constructed a web of lies, through corporate shenanigans to obfuscate, misdirect, and actually hide the worth and financial stability of the nonprofit, can a person sue? False representation and deception? Fraud?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did just that, as reported in The Salt Lake Tribune on Feb. 22. The leadership of the Mormon church, with the help of many others in their religious sphere, constructed an obstacle course of “cloned” empty shell LLC corporations for the only purpose to hide the Religion’s net worth.
These LLCs were managed by puppet Mormon managers who did nothing but sign financial disclosure documents they didn’t read or know anything about, as reported. This was, in fact, done for the sole purpose to deceive, through complicated and illegal corporate entities, their very own brother and sister Mormon members to continue to donate money.
Donations given while under the false, and manufactured impression of the actual need to donate. And to be clear, this was done for money! More money to add to the massive coffers of unimaginable wealth! This was also totally illegal as the Mormon leadership has admitted, and now will be paying a fine for!
I would think tithe-paying members could sue for all their money back throughout the many years of deception, with interest and damages. I’m no lawyer, but this was as sleazy as it gets!
GoFundMe cons are people or entities caught soliciting “donations” under a false premise, using deception and lies. Tell me what’s so different about what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did?
Jim Christensen, Park City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible