NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee agency that oversees charity fundraising is levying a $45,000 fine against a Georgia-based group for misleading practices.

According to the Secretary of State's office, NSPIRE Outreach has falsely represented that it works with other organizations with which it has no affiliation.

Brent Culberson is the director of the Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming in the Secretary of State's office. He informed NSPIRE Executive Director Gregg Kennard of the penalty via a letter.

In addition to the misrepresentation, many people have complained to Culberson's office that they continue to receive calls requesting donations even after asking to be removed from the group's call list.

NSPIRE is also known as Hope House and Hope for Domestic Violence.