Lowell Man Ran $76K Charity Scam: DA

WOBURN, MA — A Lowell was charged with running a charity scam that netted him nearly $76,000, authorities announced Friday. Zachary Noonan, 25, was charged with three counts of larceny in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. Noonan solicited thousands of dollars for non-existent charities "falsely represented as those that provide support for cancer patients and research, firefighters, wounded veterans, youth sports and hunger prevention," according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Noonan used the money to pay personal expenses, Ryan said. (Sign up for free daily newsletters and breaking news alerts from Massachusetts Patch sites.)

"From 2012 until approximately 2015 the defendant allegedly worked for an advertising company soliciting funds and selling advertising space to benefit non-profit organizations," Ryan said in a statement. "Upon termination of his employment the defendant allegedly kept his contacts list which included individuals and businesses that had previously donated funds or purchased advertising space to benefit those organizations.The defendant allegedly used that contact information to solicit donations for false charities that he set up to intentionally sound like legitimate charity organizations. These included, 'The Jimmy Fund for Kids,' 'Volunteer Fireman,' 'New England Wounded Veterans,' 'New England Hunger Assoc.' and 'Northeast Amateur Athletic Union.'"

Woburn police said they uncovered Noonan's fraud after a victim made a $100 donation to "The Volunteer Fireman" fund and discovered the organization had no website or phone number.

Following his arraignment Friday, Noonan was held on $100 bail pending a hearing October 25.

Added Ryan, “With the holidays approaching these types of scams become more prevalent. This is an important reminder to be certain that you are making donations to only legitimate charitable organizations. Individuals looking to make donations can avoid scams by double checking contact information online and contacting local law enforcement about any suspicious activity."

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