The BREAST CANCER SOCIETY INC

Scam - do not donated to the lowlife POS's.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/19/us/scam-charity-investigation/index.html

The is no charity, it's a family of lowlife scumbags that prey on the good nature of others.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/2529738-155/ftc-family-with-utah-ties-raised

This Charity kept calling--all day long from morning till night. I answered the phone but they only wanted to speak to my husband because he was the one who had donated in the past. I finally made him answer the phone. He agreed to give them money but I told him NOT to give our credit card number over the phone. After the pledge card came, I researched them on line. The amount that goes to patients is miniscule. Their balance sheet shows they took in over $22 Million and only gave $600,000 to patients. Over $9 million to telemarketing. I will not be sending any money.

Boy what a revelation after I read so many similar reviews. They are relentless, calling morning, noon and night. I gave a month ago and they are hounding me. I think they aren't what they profess to be. Stay away from them.

While living in South Florida I received a call from this company asking for a pledge. Because a dear friend had just been diagnosed with breast cancer I felt it was a way to honor her. The fund raiser kept insisting I give them my charge card information but I was just as adamant that I would not. Thank goodness! When I received the pledge information I decided to check them out and found such a small amount of funds raised by them is actually used to benefit cancer patients I decided not to send any money, but did return the pledge form with a notation that I'd changed my mind and gave the reason why. This caused a barrage of phone calls but I just refused to answer the phone. Now that I live in a different state they've started calling my new number.

I don't know if this charity is a scam or not, but I can confirm they are aggressive and a bother. I would not recommend become involved with them. My husband made a small pledge and they somehow listed it under my name and call for me ALL THE TIME - refusing to talk with him - just keep calling and calling during the week when I am at work. They finally did call late enough for me to be home from work, and the lady was aggressive and very insistent that I made the pledge (not my husband), not sure why that even matters - just seems like a weird thing to argue about. I am going to send them a money order and wash my hands. What a hassle for the first two weeks of existence with these folks. And, from reading the other reviews, I am not hopeful they will ever stop, even after getting our small donation.

I may a small pledge to this society thinking it was a legitimate charity. After I made the pledge I ended up in the hospital and had 4 surgeries and was unable to work for several months. Because of the loss of income I was not able to send my donation in in time. The first time they called about the donation I explained my position and told them I would send in the donation as soon as I got back on my feet. My sister in law has breast cancer and I had every intention of sending the donation when I could. Well I continued to get calls every few days and each time I explained why I had not sent in the donation yet, but they kept calling. Finally I stopped answering the phone so they started calling me every hour. I felt like I was being hounded by a bill collector. I started to get a bad feeling about this charity and decided to do some research. Most of the donations collected go to salaries. Give your donations to a legitimate organizations that help find a cure and those that are in need of help. You can find a list of ratings here:
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4509#.Uw3mv4XSPKc

I am very fortunate to have come in contact with The Breast Cancer Society! During the darkest times in my life, they were there for me. I was introduced to their Hope Supply Program, and was given material things to help make ends meet while going through treatments, household goods, hygiene items, furniture, etc. More than all the material things, I was given hope, support, love.

I would love for everyone to have an open mind, get to know the organization, the staff... come to some of the events. They do what they do for US, patients and survivors and our families. They made a huge impact on my family, they are truly our Angels!!

My experience with the Breast Cancer Society has been nothing but positive! I have had the opportunity to visit the Hope Supply Warehouse and was able to get much need items for myself as well has my children. The supplies were all new and in great quality. Lots of the products are things I need monthly for my home. The staff and volunteer are all amazing. The volunteer are true angels and many of them have gone through the same journey as me! It is a great feeling to have others relate to your experience since Breast Cancer changes you for ever... I will support this cause and without a doubt know they are in this for a true reason. To help those in their time of need mentally and physically!

This outfit is one of several "charities" run by a particular family. Their only charitable work I could find was donations of expired over the counter medicines to several homeless agencies, for which the donor receives a tax write-off. Nearly all the oney they raise goes to salaries of family members and telemarketing. Donate to a local, trusted charity. Don't waste your hard earned dollars with these people.

Before you donate look closer at this unethical group of Charities. They were rated in the 50 worst charities. They basically steal donated funds and lie to the public. Google reviews, read news articles and watch Anderson Coopers 50 worst charity segment. They are one of three family charities that claim to the public that they give more donations to their "cause" yet they really give only pennies on the dollar. The bulk goes to salaries for Executives and their employed family members.

Do your homework. You will see that there's more deserving places to donate your money to.

Wow ! Constant phone calls & mailings. Can't seem to shake them, even after asking that I be taken off their list. Went to 3 different charity rating sites & they show that only about 10% of donations go where it's supposed to : NOT the 15% claimed by BSC. Even at the higher figure, I would not waste anything to support this kind of organization.

I've received three telemarketing calls from a professional fundraiser for this charity. Each time the caller has been very honest about the 15% of my money that would actually go to the charity and 85% for their fee. Each time I asked to be taken off their list, and they have not done it.

This organization is a scam. I've read the few good reviews on this site and yes, I'm sure they help a few people or they wouldn't have hung on to their non-profit status these short four years they've been running. However, in four years they've had numerous investigative reports and blogs calling them out for the unethical and near criminal misuse of funds and are currently under investigation by several Attorney Generals.

Yes, go get the little this organization gives out if you qualify BUT I wouldn't donate a penny to these people. There are ethical, well run and more deserving organizations that REALLY help those in need. The Breast Cancer Society is not one of them. This organization is corrupt and all the higher paid staff and much of the Board of Directors are family relatives. They want the public to focus on the few they help not the millions they squander!

Be wise! They don't have investigative reporters exposing their greed over and over because they are a good charity. Watch this report from Anderson Cooper 360

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/13/beware-of-these-cancer-charity-rip-offs/

Scam artist!!! The entire family are scammers. Just another perfect example of the rich making themselves richer, regardless of who suffers for it in the end.

How can you scam so many people ?? My Mom has brain cancer I watched CNN and I can't believe that you can even look at yourself in the mirror! CEO made 261.609.00 last year and between you ,Cancer Fund Of America also Children Cancer Fund Of America. Total 26 million last year and only 2% go's to Charity!!!!! WOW YOU MAKE ME SICK!!!!!

A lot of organizations that are worth dealing with tend to be word of mouth. I received a phone call from this company after feeling out an inquiry as to their services. I had been diagnosed wit ductal carcinoma, and I am BRCA1 positive. I was a single mom, and my first though was my children. Then I was struggling with how to make ends meet and get simple things, TP tooth brushes, even just shampoo, or how your going to clean your house after surgery, If you have fought cancer, you know the fight. And in stops this organization that wrapped loving arms around my family, offered support and said, lets shop! So I went to the ware house, and I was able to get a vest for surgery, compression glove and socks, shampoo and toiletries, crafts to pass my time in recovery, things for my children, a new couch, and much needed curtains for my home! And it was good quality, not junk, I even receive a new Temperpedic mattress and that was the best gift in the world! I was provided with NEW prosthetics and bras, Nothing was expected like this! I even received a gas voucher to help with my vehicle expenses.
But best of all, is the people, the ability to call and have a survivor talk to you, or to be able to go to group and get angry and cry, knowing you are not alone. Or the simple Christmas carolers that come to your door and give light to a dark Christmas. These are a few of my experiences, and there are many more!
I know there are companies out there that are fraudulent.THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!! Those who have been called, and thought so badly of this group, I'm sorry you are missing a wonder chance to heal and grow.
I have received tremendous amounts love from these people. And I seen their paychecks, know there stories and reasons they do what they do. Survivors of cancer patients, or survivors in general have this ability to understand and help another that is going through it , why? because they have been there and want to make a difference to those of us who still fight!
Now I fight and volunteer to help others who are just starting down this path, and if I can make a difference for them, I will!

In 2009 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and the battle was on. I did not know what was ahead of me and found I was right in the middle of the worst economy ever. With all the cut backs it was difficult to find help where I needed it most. How will I keep a roof over my head and keep up with daily necessities? Along with the fight itself where I was always sick and exhausted I had to find any source I could for daily help. An organization within my community had referred me to The Breast Cancer Society, Inc. Besides standing in food lines and asking for utility help there is more to the process of survival. Many organization that would help could only help for one month, some had no funds and no help at all, unfortunately cancer treatments for me lasted years. So much stress every step of the way I found a blessing. This blessing came as The Breast Cancer Society, Inc. This organization helped me with the personal items I needed and funds monthly that got me through. They made me feel like I had someone in my corner. The shopping was a fun moment in a hard time in my life. This was such a tremendous help and I could not find any other organization out there that offered what The Breast Cancer Society, Inc. gave me. I came away with hope, encouragement and less stress. This is huge! Thank you for thinking of all the women and men who face this disease. Your organization is a God send for many including myself. I appreciate all of you and all you do! God Bless you...

This charity has been a blessing to me. As a survivor of breast cancer and victim of multiple sclerosis, the assistance they provide is helping me to acquire items for my home and myself that I otherwise would not have been able to get. From as big as a new queen mattress to as small as dishwasher soap, I am thankful for the many items I have received. The volunteers and staff are extremely courteous and helpful - especially Vincent! He makes my trip there so enjoyable and productive. I have actually recommended this charity to all my breast cancer survivor friends (3 so far!) and will continue to do so.

Not only do I volunteer here I am also a survivor ( 4times). When I first found this organization I was not really expecting much. I was impressed the first time I ever went. They took me thru the warehouse and gave me items I really needed. Not only did they do this they ask me if there was something I needed to put on a wish or needs list. I did not have a bed at the time. I was sleeping on the ground then was given a air mattress by a friend. I recieved a call one day and was told they had a bed for me. I could not believe it. They helped me so much thru my whole surgery. Told me what programs were out there. It was unbelievable!! The staff, everyone there is there for me and what ever I need physically and emotionally. I deserve me being and keeping strong. I owe them so much. Thank you to EVERYONE THERE !!!!!!

This organization is pretty good.I'm a client of BCS .They were very nice to me and understood my needs as a client.Their always inviting me to any events there having .I can't always make it,but,it's their generous thought of even inviting me.

I found the services of this organization helpful for me when I was going through treatment for breast cancer and had limited funds. The option of shopping in their warehouse for products was helpful although there were many things they had there that I did not want to take home because they had chemicals linked to breast cancer and many things I needed that they did not have. I think they should more carefully screen companies that donate products so that they offer make up and personal care products that do not contain hazardous ingredients. Still, I found some valuable things there and I found the staff friendly and caring.

I have learned over the years to do my research before making a judgment on an organization. There are blogs and information about this and all organizations both good and bad. I also have read that several people who work for the organization are related so I looked on their website and they do confirm that fact. I don't see why it's such a problem; it seems to me the family is trying to do some good in the world instead of be a burden on it. I have also received calls asking me to donate, I told the solicitor I was not able to at this time. They were polite and thanked me for my time. I will continue to check them out but I think they are doing a great job trying to help those they can.

I looked this charity up online and I read on another blog that almost all of the people working for The Breast Cancer Society are related to the Executive Director James T. Reynolds Jr. They use call centers that take 80% of each donation and after that James and his family receive outrageous salaries. His wife works there and is the Public Relations Representative. She goes by Kristina Hixson. I wonder what she makes and how qualified is she for her salary? They should investigate this organization and look into family relationships and spending.

I received a phone call from this group in the evening. Looking back on it, I should not have picked up the phone, since the caller ID was blocked. It was obvious this scam did not want to advertise their name.

I listened to the pitch which was very pushy, but the person was very nice. They were unsympathetic to a discussion of all my friends who were fighting breast cancer, however. After I agreed to the minimum pledge of $15, and asked that they send me a bill, I was sent to a person for "confirmation". She immediately asked for my credit card number, which I refused. I finally hung up on her after she tried to get more of a pledge.

I will not provide the money to this charity.

did you read about how much money they spend on the their salaries and how much is left over to "help" those with breast cancer. these people are crooks. pushy and calling at all times of day and nite. they need to be thrown into federal prison.

I received a phone solicitation by them today and as a survivor I basically told the solicitor to 'f' off! I can't believe people actually donate when solicited like this. Do your homework people!

IRS Form 990 for 2010 shows $48M revenue, $47M expense. President salary $351K. Fundraising $9M. Program expense: 20% to West Africa, 80% to Central America/Caribbean. Less than $500K to USA residents. Fundraising too high, salaries too high, program funds go outside of USA.

I was solicited on the phone today by this Charity. While the telemarketer was reciting her spiel, I looked them up here and found that there was a donor alert that they were under investigation by the NY Attorney's office. When I asked her what the investigation was about, she immediately hung up. Guess they don't have a defense for how they are using their money. Thanks again Charity Navigator!

I donated to them a few times but came seriously annoyed once they started calling ALL THE TIME. I asked them politely to correspond only through mail, but they totally ignored my request. So then I looked them up after pledging a small amount and discovered others having the same problem and that they have a pending class action lawsuit against them. So I didn't send in my pledge amount with the envelope arrived. Instead I sent a letter stating why I wasn't and asked them to stop calling my home. They continue to call, multiple times a day (3 or 4 times). I finally answered the other day and it was this rude, smokers rasp of a voice and I told her to stop calling and my reasons for not wanting them to contact me anymore. But yet, the calls continue. I am filing a complaint with the BBB, the Attorney General, and I will now in turn start calling them to harass and irritate as they do me. These people are awful and they are a scam. I don't understand why they think harassment is the way to go. It is absolutely befuddling to me and I have had enough.

Very aggressive solicitation that turned me off. I immediately went to Charity Navigator and my suspicions are confirmed that this is not a credible place to make a donation for what would be otherwise a good cause.

I received a call from them today soliciting money and the caller emphasized the dire straits of the "victims of this horrible disease" ; the caller hung up after I told her I couldn't donate - didn't even say, "Goodbye!" My suspicions are confirmed by the comments posted by others. I never donate by phone anymore nor do I ask them to send an info packet. If I'm interested in a worthy charity, I will find them or I will read about it via print or internet.

The Breast Cancer Society is a great place. I am always so overwhelmed at how pleasant everyone always is. Thank you so much. –Maria Hernandez

I got a call from the Associated Community Services www.associatedcommunityservices.com and was asked to donate $20 to the Breast Cancer Society. www.breastcancersociety.org. I asked what there ratio of money goes to the society. They told me 80% goes to them to hired the phone operators etc. and 20% goes to the Breast Cancer Society. In my mind that Ratio is unacceptable and not sustainable. The Breast Cancer Society has administration costs so very little of my donation is helping a low income women with breast cancer. I found the operator to be aggressive and reading from a script. I don't believe this is a SCAM but it's definitely not an organization I would recommend anyone to donate any money to. There are much better organizations that will put more money to work than the Breast Cancer Society. Also I would recomend that any and all NFPs avoid Assocated Community Services.

I found their phone solicitation methodolgy to be agressive and relentless. They do not quit calling no matter what you do. I also was disturbed by the high operating costs and the percentage of their money they spend outside the U.S.

I thought it quite odd that a "charity" would be more interested in my mailing address than in getting a credit card donation over the phone. That got my attention right away. The name of the organization wasn't familiar, either, so I declined and they just hung up. I contacted a family member who has worked in medical oncology for over 30 years to ask about BCS. He had never heard of this organization when I asked him about it. After reading reports of this company's IRS 990s, I guess I made the right decision. Now all I have to worry about is making sure they don't harass me with phone calls!

I listened to their phone solicitation and they seemed very friendly. This was right after the Susan B. Komen debacle. I said I'd send them money, and then I looked them up on the charitable navigator. I have been flooded with phone calls and mail bills since (over 5 months)! I have asked twice to be put on their 'do not call' list. And they say they will and then don't. If they don't catch you in the morning, they will call back at night. They are relentless and have really pissed me off. They have ads in the newspapers for car donations and are currently under investigation. I will never donate again for any organization I don't see operating in person and know more about. I wish I didn't have to give a star rating, because a one star is too much.

It was interesting reading about the high operating costs of Breast Cancer Society, Inc. But I would never contribute to an organization based in Arizona, a hotbed of racial profiling and harassment against immigrants, much less now when they are trying to facilitate such practices by passing Arizona Senate Bill 1070

I got another call from this organization so I looked at the IRS Form 990. Of the money raised $876,825 was spent in 2010 in the US. $31,457,842 was spent outside the US. Yet their printed information never mentions anything but the US. They spend $14 million! for fundraising. I can think of several US organizations to donate to when I want my money spent in the US. When I choose to spend outside the US, there are also very highly rated agencies that are clear about what they do and where. UNICEF and Doctors without Borders are good examples.

I also received unsolicited phone calls from this organization. Very annoying.

I just wanted to thank this organization for everything they've done for us this last year as my mom was battling breast cancer. They've been a true God-send.

Following a soliciation -- and curiosity peaked by the focus of the solicitor -- I researched through this source and its links the organization. High operating expenses including disapportional foreign activities for a young organization became my point of concern.

I take exception to what I perceive as exploitation of breast cancer as my deceased wife fought the disease for twent-one years.

Don't be fooled by this organization and their phone sales pitch! Take a look at the 990 and see where the money is going before contributing. In 2009, they awarded just three grants totaling $43,000 to bonafide US breast cancer services. The remaining $millions went overseas (supposedly) to unnamed organizations or services in Africa and elsewhere. Really? If you care about breast cancer, do yourself (and those suffering with the disease) a favor and support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. But don't take my word for it: Check out their 990 for yourself. Once you familiarize yourself with how it's laid out, it's super easy to read and very informative!

After my husband told them to mail their information to him and he would consider the organization we have never heard the end of the telephone harrassment. They will not stop calling despite my telling them to remove our number and not to call. We've told them we will not be donating to them and Never give donations over the phone. They called all day yestterday and started calling at 8 am this morning. They know not to talk to me. They ask for my husband by name and when I say he is not available they hang up on me. Why do they use these harassing telemarketers. It is because of these calls that we will never donate to the BCS ever again. The BCS only gets 20% of the money donated via these calls. Why would I not just send it directly to the BCS if I wanted to support their programs?

I received a solicitation call from this "non-profit" organization. The woman on the line seemed very unprofessional and generally unlike the typical caller from a legitimate organization. When I agreed to pledge, she repeatedly said, "Oh, I love you, I love you, I love you. God bless you." I was quickly transferred to someone verifying my information to send me my pledge card. I felt a little uneasy when I got off the phone, so I began to research. Everything that I can find on this organization seems very fishy. In fact, the only favorable information I was able to find came from the president himself who responded to a public forum in which people were dogging the organization. I believe it is all a scam. I think that donating money to local charities and nationally recognized non-profits is probably the way to go! Oh, and when searching the "National Headquarters" address, I came to see that it is a residence with a pool. Interesting?!? The day after I pledged, someone called for another non-profit, "The Childhood Leukemia Foundation." My husband answered and experienced a similar strange woman. I do not know if these two companies are affiliated in any way, but I'm seeing all kinds of red flags!

I have been receiving calls and letters following up on a small amount that I may (or may not!) have pledged. I have worked in non-profit organizations for more than twenty years, and I know how to find and read forms 990. This corporation's only 990 show it to be everything I try to avoid in a charity -- a very high proportion of its income going to outside fund raising companies, high pay to a president, and apparently a building owned by the corporation.

They continue to call even though I've told them to take me off their list. Also, the fundraising company they use is under review or the subject of lawsuits by a number of state attorneys general. See http://neurodiversity.com/weblog/article/197/ for more information. It's a scam - don't donate to this company, unless you want to donate to a fundraiser.

I was a donor and I echo the reviews here. Breast cancer is such an important cause, but this is a scam. DO NOT DONATE. Once I realized that it wasn't a reputable charity, I told them I would make no more donations and I asked to be taken off the call list but to no avail. I urge you not to make my same mistake. Please read the reviews below (particularly the examination of the 990 financial for Breast Cancer Society) and choose another breast cancer organization for your charitable giving.

Yes, I too made a small pledge. I haven't been able to find out much about the company, but they certainly are aggressive on the phone. I get many calls and a few letters, all for my tiny pledge. If what others have posted is true, it sounds like a big waste of charity money.

As the Finance Director of a $2 million non-profit, I have prepared over 20 years of Form 990's so I know what to look for. People should think twice about donating to this organization. The 990 is pretty scary. They claim to be a national organization but they list the Exec Dir at $120K. All other salaries total 40K. This is out of a total budget of $15.5 million. However, $7 million of that looks like a pass through of donated medicines that were shipped overseas. Only $145K of the remaining $8.5 million is direct aid to suffering people and research. The rest, or more than $8.2 million is fundraising expenses primarily paid to phone solicitors, etc. The fundraising expense to total expense ratio is way out of line. I could go on and on pointing out issues with their finances, but I'd rather find an organization that does a better job at putting my donations to work to help people with this terrible disease.

I was solicited today by this organization. The manager to whom I was referred said that only 20% of the funds go to the charity and 80% go to administrative costs. I told her that the ratio should be reversed and that I could not contribute until that ratio is reversed.

I was solicited by this organization and have been followed up 2 additional times after making a small pledge. I have phoned the organization in order to pay by credit card and there is never an answer and no return calls. The last followup solicitor said that they do not take payments over the phone which is unheard of, nor have I ever been followed up on so often. There doesn't seem to be any financials available either.

I received a troubling telephone solicitation from a contract firm raising funds for The Breast Cancer Society, Mesa Arizona. Only 20% of the donation would go to the organization. The Society did not answer the two phone numbers 888-293-0553 or 480-284-4014. The web site is what I would call "pink-washed" Paying firms 80% of Dollars raised is shameful and exploitive of women with cancer!