Beware deceptive telemarketers

I don't often write letters to the editor but I wanted to relay a incredibly deceptive telemarketing call I just received. While sitting in my office at home, the phone rang and my caller ID said Private Number. Hmm, who could that be? When I answered I was informed by a pleasant young woman stating that she was calling in behalf of the Breast Cancer Relief Foundation that worked to provide support so that women across America could have access to mammograms. I have to admit that my interest was piqued. I work in the medical field and I had honestly never heard of such an organization. More importantly, if there was a way that women in Western Montana could benefit I wanted to know more. “How are they benefited”, I asked. After a very awkward pause the woman said “with the nationwide effort.” Really, “How can they access this assistance” I responded. Another incredibly long pause, then “I would be happy to give you a phone number or the Web site for you to better understand.” “Great”, I responded!

Upon the termination of our conversation, I did some research. In looking at the Federal Form - 990 (tax document) for the organization and it's parent company The Cancer Center for Detection and Prevention, I determined that they had given away $13 million for enhancing health care for women, however only $100,000 of it was in the U.S. The majority of the funds were given to benefit women in Central America. Of course, none of this was disclosed in the phone call I received. Additionally, if you dig further, you find that all the officers receiving compensation ($172,000) are in the same family. They also spent over $4.75 million in raising those funds with professional fund raising companies.

What initially sounded like a great cause apparently is doing very little for women in America and nothing for women in Western Montana. Contrast that with the upcoming Sanders County Cancer Network Wine Tasting and Fashion Show where 100 percent of the funds donated go directly to help both women and men meet the challenges of cancer treatment here in our community. Just a suggestion, make a donation today to the Sanders County Cancer Network or attend the Wine Tasting & Fashion Show. When these pesky telemarketers call, tell them, “No thank you, I am helping my friends and neighbors here at home. Would you like to make a donation to our cause?”

Barry Fowler

Plains