iobserve-"Catholic Charities says Web site falsely claims connection to agency

iobserve: "Catholic Charities says Web site falsely claims connection to agency

By Catholic News Service

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) -- The president of Catholic Charities USA has asked potential donors not to direct their contributions to a Web site that he said falsely claims a connection to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Charities and other charitable causes.

'We are alerting federal officials and will take appropriate steps to prevent donations from being solicited in such a manner,' said Father Larry Snyder, head of the Alexandria-based organization, of the Web site www.catholic-charities.net.

Legitimate Web sites associated with Catholic Charities USA include www.catholiccharitiesusa.org and www.catholiccharitiesinfo.org.

'Let me be clear, the Web site www.catholic-charities.net is not affiliated with Catholic Charities,' said Father Snyder in a statement April 17. 'We urge anyone who wants to support Catholic Charities not to make donations through www.catholic-charities.net.'"