FTC and States Sue Cancer Recovery Foundation for Donor Deception

FTC Cases & Proceedings

Filed March 11th, 2024

Detected February 11th, 2026

Summary

The FTC and 10 states have filed a lawsuit against the Cancer Recovery Foundation International, also known as Women's Cancer Fund, and its operator for allegedly deceiving donors. The charity is accused of collecting over $18 million from 2017 to 2022, with only a small fraction going to support cancer patients and the majority used for fundraisers and the operator.

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What changed

The Federal Trade Commission, along with ten state attorneys general, has filed a civil complaint (Case Number 4:24-cv-00881) in the Southern District of Texas against Cancer Recovery Foundation International (doing business as Women's Cancer Fund) and its operator, Gregory B. Anderson. The lawsuit alleges that from 2017 to 2022, the defendants collected over $18 million from donors by falsely claiming the funds would support women battling cancer and their families. Instead, the complaint states that approximately one cent of every dollar donated was used for charitable support, while the vast majority was paid to for-profit fundraisers and the operator.

This enforcement action seeks civil penalties and a federal injunction to halt the alleged deceptive practices. The filing of the complaint signifies the initiation of legal proceedings, and a stipulated order for permanent injunction was also filed on December 17, 2024. Regulated entities, particularly those in the nonprofit and fundraising sectors, should review their marketing and operational practices to ensure transparency and accurate representation of how donations are used. Non-compliance with consumer protection laws can lead to significant financial penalties and injunctive relief.

What to do next

Review fundraising practices for transparency and accuracy.
Ensure marketing materials accurately reflect the use of donated funds.
Consult legal counsel regarding compliance with FTC and state charity regulations.

Penalties

Civil Penalties, Federal Injunctions

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Tags:

Consumer Protection
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Charity
Advertising and Marketing
Telemarketing
Advertising and Marketing Basics Last Updated

February 6, 2026

Case Status Pending Federal Trade Commission and the States of California; Florida; Maryland; Massachusetts; North Carolina; Oklahoma; Oregon; Texas; Virginia and Wisconsin, Plaintiffs, v. Cancer Recovery Foundation International, Inc., a corporation also doing business as Womens Cancer Fund; and Gregory B. Anderson, individually and as an officer of Cancer Recovery Foundation International, Inc., Defendants. FTC Matter/File Number 2223080 Civil Action Number 4:24-cv-00881 Enforcement Type Civil Penalties Federal Injunctions Federal Court Southern District of Texas

Case Summary

The Federal Trade Commission and 10 states are suing sham charity Cancer Recovery Foundation International, also known as Women’s Cancer Fund, and its operator, Gregory B. Anderson, for deceiving generous donors who sought to offer financial support to women battling cancer and their families.

In a complaint filed in federal court, the FTC and states allege that, from 2017 to 2022, Women’s Cancer Fund collected more than $18 million from donors. The sham charity claimed that it would use the donated funds to help women who were undergoing treatment for cancer and their families pay for basic needs. Instead, the complaint charges, only about a penny of every dollar donated went to provide such support, while the overwhelming majority went to pay for-profit fundraisers and Anderson.