$2.5 million will go to US cancer centers in settling a landmark lawsuit against 4 sham charities.

The Cancer Fund of America, Breast Cancer Society, Cancer Support Services and the Children’s Cancer Fund of America and founder James Reynolds and his family are barred for life from fund raising.

The Reynoldses bilked the public of more than $187 million. Only 3% of the money went to cancer patients as “care packages.”

Cancer Fund of American claimed to supply patients with pain medications and transport to chemotherapy treatments but did not.

The charities sent drugs that had nothing to do with cancer to other countries.

They tried to hide their high fund raising costs.

They paid themselves exorbitant salaries, took trips to Thailand, Las Vegas and Disney World, bought cars, boats, jet skis and houses, and used the charities’ credit cards to buy designer handbags, jewelry and clothing, and pay for day-to-day expenses such as gas, groceries and utility bills.

SC Secretary of State Mark Hammond encourages anyone with concerns about a professional fund raiser to notify his office.

Complaints can be filed using the Online Charitable Solicitation Complaint Form on the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.sc.gov .

Citizens can also contact the Division of Public Charities by calling 1-888-CHARITI (242-7484) or emailing charities@sos.sc.gov .