Michigan AG Goes After Scammer Who Duped Donors with Fake Political Party Sites

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Michigan Attorney General sues Massachusetts man for running fraudulent sites mimicking political parties to deceive donors.

Nessel Sues Massachusetts Man for Running Fraudulent Donation Websites

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched a legal battle against Donald Peltier of South Hadley, Massachusetts, accusing him of operating fake websites mimicking official political organizations. According to the lawsuit, Peltier allegedly exploited the public’s trust by setting up fraudulent platforms resembling those of the Democratic and Republican parties, soliciting donations under false pretenses.

The sites in question – democraticnationalcommittee.co, maf.democrat, and republicannationalcommittee.org – gave the impression they were tied to recognized political organizations. Nessel’s office alleges Peltier used these fraudulent websites to lure unsuspecting donors into contributing money, believing they were supporting legitimate political causes.

“Donating to a cause or candidate you believe in can be gratifying, but it’s important to be vigilant against scams,” said Nessel. “Bad actors often prey on enthusiasm, using deceptive tactics like fraudulent websites to steal your hard-earned money.”

Screen shot of republicannationalcommittee.orgPhoto byThumbwind Publications

Public Urged to Stay Vigilant Against Scam PACs

Nessel’s office offered advice to Michigan residents to avoid falling victim to scam political fundraising websites. The recommendations include:

• Research before donating: Look up organizations independently to confirm their legitimacy.
• Beware of deceptive names: Fraudulent groups often use names closely resembling official ones to mislead.
• Proactively choose donations: Contribute directly to campaigns or causes aligned with your values instead of responding to unsolicited requests.
• Seniors are common targets: Scam PACs often target older adults through calls and texts.
• Verify through the FEC: Legitimate Political Action Committees (PACs) must register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Donors should cross-reference websites with FEC records.

Residents who believe they have been targeted or duped by scam websites are encouraged to report the incident to the FBI, FEC, or Nessel’s Consumer Protection Team.

Broader Campaign to Combat Fraud

This legal action reflects Nessel’s ongoing commitment to consumer protection. Her office has consistently taken steps to educate Michigan residents about financial fraud, with a particular focus on schemes targeting the elderly and politically active donors.

The issue of fraudulent PACs has gained national attention, especially as online platforms become increasingly common for political fundraising. Similar scams have surfaced in other states, underscoring the need for heightened scrutiny.

For further information or to report a scam, Michigan residents can contact Nessel’s office via phone at 877-765-8388 or submit a complaint online through the Attorney General’s website.

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