UMVA has learned that a landmark court ruling has exposed a deceptive fundraising scheme behind a well‑known charitable car‑donation program.
The judge determined the organization’s advertisements were “misleading by omission,” finding false advertising and violations of unfair competition law after a five‑day trial.
The case was ignited by Bruce Puterbaugh, a retired Californian who donated his non‑working 2001 Volvo XC, believing the money would aid underprivileged children, only to discover the charity primarily supports Jewish heritage camps in New York and New Jersey.
Testimony revealed that roughly one‑quarter of the charity’s revenue stems from California, yet the only state presence is an annual backpack giveaway funded by modest grants.
Each year the charity receives about 120,000 donated vehicles nationwide, with approximately 25 % originating from California donors who were led to think they were helping local, secular children in need.
Lawyers for Puterbaugh hailed the decision, declaring that Californians are now shielded from a “deceptive and misleading advertising campaign” that coaxed thousands to surrender property under false pretenses.
The ruling permanently enjoined the organization from using the contested ad format, effectively halting what was described as a massive, ongoing transfer of assets based on fraudulent omission.
In response, the charity’s spokesperson dismissed the judgment as “deeply flawed,” insisting their Jewish affiliation is clearly stated on their website and that their programs benefit thousands of youth across the country, including hundreds in California.
The organization vows to appeal, arguing the case is a “lawyer‑driven attempt to siphon off charitable funds” and that the law and facts support their position.
