⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is provided for educational and reporting purposes only. All information included is based on publicly available records, firsthand accounts from alleged victims, and federal or state law that may apply to the described conduct. Nothing here should be interpreted as legal advice or a definitive conclusion of guilt. Readers are encouraged to verify all facts, cite applicable laws, and file formal complaints directly with law enforcement or government agencies.
Reporting misconduct protects not just yourself but others who may be too afraid or unable to speak up. Every report builds a record that helps authorities hold people and organizations accountable.
In this situation, numerous individuals have raised concerns about Francesca Amato and her organization, Punished 4 Protecting, Inc., which operates under the website www.punished4beingaparent.com and publicly lists the mailing address P.O. Box 1110, Albany, NY 12201-1110. Her legal name is believed to be Frances Amato.
Reports allege ongoing solicitation of funds despite a revoked nonprofit status, unauthorized legal advocacy, and harassment of those who have spoken out against the Family Justice and Accountability Act (FJAA) and more.
When reporting, include all relevant evidence, such as screenshots, payment records, NDAs, or threats and explain what happened, when, and how it affected you.
Reporting isn’t revenge. It’s an act of integrity that protects others and ensures that advocacy remains honest, transparent, and grounded in truth. Accountability restores trust and keeps advocacy focused on justice, not control.
1️⃣ New York Attorney General
Consumer Fraud or Deceptive Practices: If you paid for services described as nonprofit, advocacy, or ADA legal assistance and did not receive them, or if you believe you were misled about credentials or charitable status, you can file a complaint with the New York Attorney General’s Office.
Report here: NYSOAG CFC Form
What to include:
- Screenshots of services offered or donation solicitations
- Proof of payment (PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, etc.)
- A short summary of what was promised versus what occurred
Possible Legal Violations:
- NY General Business Law § 349 – Deceptive acts and practices
- NY Executive Law § 63(12) – Persistent fraud or illegality in business
2️⃣ Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)
If you paid for legal advocacy, ADA representation, or courtroom assistance from an unlicensed person, report it to the New York Attorney General and the Albany New York District Attorney
New York State Attorney General: FILE A COMPLAINT, once on the site, click the tab that says, “Wrongdoing by Charitable Organizations – Fraudulent or Misleading Solicitation, Improper Management of Charitable Assets or Misuse of Funds Designated for Charitable Purposes” then fill out the form and call:
- Phone: 1-800-771-7755
- Deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-788-9898
Albany New York District Attorney: 1-518-487-5460 – I have spoken with them and they are supposed to get back to me with who exactly to talk to but you can call in the meantime.
Possible Legal Violations:
- NY Judiciary Law § 478 – Practicing law without a license
- NY Judiciary Law § 484 – Accepting compensation for unlicensed legal services
3️⃣ IRS – Internal Revenue Service
Revoked Nonprofit and False Solicitation: Punished 4 Protecting, Inc. (EIN: 37-1880943) had its 501(c)(4) status revoked on May 15, 2024 for failure to file required returns for three consecutive years. If donations were solicited after this date or the website still lists the entity as a nonprofit, you may file a complaint with the IRS Exempt Organizations Division.
Report here: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/complaint-about-an-abusive-tax-scheme-form-13909
Possible Federal Violations:
- 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1) – Filing false or fraudulent returns
- 18 U.S.C. § 1343 – Wire fraud (soliciting funds via the internet)
- 18 U.S.C. § 371 – Conspiracy to defraud the United States
4️⃣ FTC – Federal Trade Commision
False or Misleading Business Practices: If you were charged for services advertised as charitable, legal, or advocacy-based and the representations were false or misleading, you can report to the Federal Trade Commission.
Report here: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov (currently inactive due to government shutdown)
Possible Federal Violations:
- 15 U.S.C. § 45 (FTC Act § 5) – Unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce
5️⃣ DOJ – Department of Justice
ADA Misrepresentation and False Credentials – Francesca Amato has publicly described herself as a “Certified Forensic ADA Advocate” and “ADA Legal Expert.” If these claims are being used to solicit money or influence legal proceedings, they can be reported to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Report here: https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ or email
Criminal.Division@usdoj.gov
Possible Violations:
- 18 U.S.C. § 1001 – False statements or representations to a federal agency
- 42 U.S.C. § 12182 – Misuse of ADA representation in commerce
6️⃣ FBI – Federal Bureau Of Investigation
Cyberstalking, Threats, and Wire Fraud: Victims who have experienced harassment, threats, or intimidation across state lines, or paid for fraudulent services online, can file with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and also call their local FBI field office.
Report here: https://www.ic3.gov
Find your local field office: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices
Possible Federal Violations:
- 18 U.S.C. § 1343 – Wire fraud
- 18 U.S.C. § 2261A – Cyberstalking
- 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) – Interstate threats
- 18 U.S.C. § 241 – Conspiracy against rights
- 18 U.S.C. § 1513(e) – Retaliation against informants
7️⃣ Lobbying, Political Pressure, and Silencing of Dissent
Numerous individuals have reported being harassed or intimidated for speaking publicly about or against the Family Justice and Accountability Act (FJAA), a federal proposal being promoted under the Punished 4 Protecting name. If you have been silenced, threatened, or coerced into removing content or signing agreements (such as NDAs) related to this legislation, you can report these actions as potential Lobbying Disclosure Act violations or First Amendment retaliation.
Relevant Oversight Offices:
- U.S. Department of Justice – FARA / Lobbying Unit: https://www.justice.gov/nsd-fara
- U.S. House of Representatives Clerk – Lobbying Disclosure: https://lda.congress.gov
- U.S. Senate Public Records Office: https://www.senate.gov/legislative/Public_Disclosure/LDA.htm
Possible Violations:
- 2 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq. – Lobbying Disclosure Act (failure to register or disclose federal lobbying)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b) – Intimidation or retaliation to influence testimony or speech
- 18 U.S.C. § 241 – Conspiracy to deprive citizens of their constitutional rights
What to Include:
- Evidence of NDAs, threats, or group messages silencing critics
- Proof of coordinated activity to suppress opposing viewpoints
- Links or screenshots showing political intimidation tied to the FJAA
8️⃣ Local Law Enforcement (Nationwide Jurisdiction)
If you are being harassed or defamed online, you can file with your local police or county sheriff, even if the offender lives in another state.
Courts recognize that online crimes occur where the harm is felt.
What to Tell Police:
“The harassment and threats were directed at me and caused harm here. Under Calder v. Jones (465 U.S. 783), my local jurisdiction has authority to investigate because the effects occurred in this state.”
Key Legal Cases:
- Calder v. Jones (1984) – States have jurisdiction when harm is intentionally directed at their residents.
- Walden v. Fiore (2014) – Conduct must be purposefully aimed at the victim’s state.
- Young v. New Haven Advocate (4th Cir. 2002) – Online content creates jurisdiction if it targets someone in the forum state.
Typical State Laws That Apply:
- Harassment and stalking through electronic communications
- Criminal defamation or false public statements
- Communicating threats to injure, harm, or kill
Provide officers with screenshots, URLs, and context, and request that your case be referred to state police or cybercrime units if necessary.
9️⃣ New York State Charities Bureau – Donor Complaints
If you donated believing the organization was an active nonprofit, you can report to the New York Charities Bureau.
Report here: https://www.charitiesnys.com/complaints_new.html
Possible Violations:
- Executive Law § 172-d – Prohibited solicitation by unregistered charities
- General Business Law § 352-e – Fraudulent solicitation of funds
🧾 How to Present Your Report
When filing with any agency, include:
- Your name and contact info (if safe)
- A short summary of what happened
- Screenshots, posts, and payment receipts
- The potential laws or violations you believe apply
- Any evidence of retaliation or online harassment for speaking out
✉️ Template for Submitting Reports
“I am submitting this report as a concerned citizen and possible victim of fraudulent solicitation, harassment, and unlicensed legal advocacy related to Francesca Amato and Punished 4 Protecting, Inc. I believe these activities may violate the laws cited below and request your review. Thank you for your attention and guidance on next steps.”
💖 A Personal Note from The Manicured Mom
To anyone who has experienced hardship, loss, or harm in connection with this situation, please know that my heart is with you. I am deeply sorry for what you’ve endured and for the pain that may have come from trusting someone who did not honor that trust. To our knowledge, there are reports dating back as far as 2016 that show an alleged and repeated pattern of behavior, and it is my hope that by speaking openly, we can bring transparency, accountability, and healing to those affected. No matter what has happened or how heavy life may feel right now, please remember — in the midst of chaos, sparkle. Don’t let life dull your shine.
Much love,
The Manicured Mom
