Forum Discussion

Custard's avatar
Custard
Member
12 years ago

Breast cancer scam

Just warning Tassie residents that people are receiving phone calls from "Breast Cancer Australia" stating that as we don't have access to services for cancer treatment in Tassie (???!!), their association asks for a donation in multiples of $60 to cover the cost of a night's accommodation in one of their treatment homes for a family. When asked for information in writing they refuse unless you "promise to pay the sum asked for" ! Their web site does not exist, and a search does not show any such treatment homes set up by them. I am angry because a lot of compassionate kind people are thinking they are helping Tasmanian cancer patients when this is very clearly not the case. So, be alert and report them to ACCC, Scam Alert and please tell everyone you know so that no funds go into these criminals' wallets!

8 Replies

  • Laura_Crowden's avatar
    Laura_Crowden
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Sharon,

    It is definitely worth contacting the police but it's very likely they can't do anything as unfortunately technically Breast Cancer Australia aren't doing anything illegal. They don't have tax-deductible status which means they aren't a registered charity but they can still accept donations (they just can't issue a tax receipt). As Mandy mentioned, they are based in SA which also limits what Tas Police could do.

    And because they aren't a registered charity, it limits what the Australian Not-for-profit and Charities Commission (ACNC) can do - completely a can of worms!

    We'd encourage you to contact Consumer Affairs Tasmania - hopefully if enough people do they might be forced to investigate and shut them down (like what happened in South Australia).

    Cheers, Laura

  • Custard's avatar
    Custard
    Member
    11 years ago

    I have put Laura's words onto the Facebook page for Tasmanian Breast Cancer Network so we are warning others.. I only hope they do not target other states and territories!

  • Custard's avatar
    Custard
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Sharon, we have discussed this but it is a can of worms as each state has different laws. We in Tassie were targeted and they were in SA. Perhaps Laura, BCNA Media Manager can explain. Thanks, Mandy
  • Custard's avatar
    Custard
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Sharon, I am pleased my bit of anti breast cancer Australia info helped you, that was the aim. It is shocking that they continue on and with BCNA's great help we may get them shut down. Dozens and dozens of kind and generous people like your mum donated, and those that were wary and did not hand over the requested donation of $60 all are cheated and it makes us all the more cynical. Best to donate to charities we know are fabulous, like BCNA!
  • Sharon7113's avatar
    Sharon7113
    Member
    11 years ago

     

    Thanks Laura,

    It's really upset mum that she got caught out she's usually very careful with these sort of phone calls. They are clever to only ring once a year and ask for the $60 but if only a few people get caught it'll add up pretty quickly. The worst thing about these cretins is it makes it all the harder for legit charities to get donations through the public because you can't always be sure. I think the best way for her to donate is directly through the BCNA, then we know it goes to the people who need it not scum bags taking advantage of good hearted & well meaning people.

    Cheers Laura,

    Sharon

     

  • Laura_Crowden's avatar
    Laura_Crowden
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Sharon,

    Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm glad you have done you research and advised your mum not to donate to Breast Cancer Australia!

    We have actually done a bit of work in recent month to try and raise awareness of BCA and advise people that they are not a registered charity.

    You might like to watch the story we did with Today Tonight or read these articles from the Mercury and ABC in Hobart.

    We've also published a warning on our website. Please spread the word to others and help us warn others!

    Cheers, Laura

  • magicmum's avatar
    magicmum
    Member
    12 years ago

    You can't believe how low some people can sink can you. It is to be hoped that lots of people know about Breastscreen and Cancer Council and BCNA even if they don't have any personal contacts. I think we have wonderful services in Tassie - my experience has been good anyway - so I hope that these ratbags are caught and stopped.

    magicmum