The Firefighters Support Foundation is one HUGE SCAM. They are like a pack of relentless vultures. They have bedeviled me with calls morning, noon, night, and weekends, although now it's dwindled off just a little. Not only were they calling me, but I was getting called and harrassed by other so-called and undoubtedly PHONY law enforcement organizations. I would bet that all of these calls are originating from the very same office and that they are just using different names. I just got another call this morning around 9 am. They said "is this so and so?" and asked for me by name. I NEVER EVER tell these vultures my name. I always say "who's calling," and this morning I had to repeat "who's calling" three times. This is not the first time that I've had to repeat myself like this. They said it was a "courtesy call" and hung up. It's not the first time they've handed me the "courtesy call" crap. Recently I phoned my state Attorney General's office to find out the procedure for reporting phone scams. Right now I'm closely monitoring the situation and keeping a written log on the calls, and if the calls escalate again, I'll do a complaint and SCREW these scammers.

Organizations even go so far as to trick you into donating by sending out a letter that confirms that you pledged a certain amount on a certain date which is entirely bogus. I guess they are betting that you will forget the phone call but with a history of caller I.D. on your phone you can quickly verify that you never received a call from this organization on that date.

We received a pledge form in the mail for the FIrefighters Support Foundation but the address listed is Milwaukee, WI.  On the back of the letter, there are addresses for different states to contact but Greenfield, MA was not even listed.  The solicitor's phone number that we received was from Birmingham, AL. We did not pledge anything, but received a "sponsor confirmation" in the mail.  There are too many discrepancies to think this is legitimate.

Charitywatch gives the Breast Cancer Research Foundation an A+ rating for spending 92% of its expenses on charitable programs, but gives Breast Cancer Relief Foundation an F grade for spending only 5% on programs. One word can make all the difference."

most of those calls are sub contracted to midwest publishing dn

I'm getting harassed from Police protection league because I refused to donate. #5618453750
Do you their main office?

Whoever is calling from this number is relentless.  They call 5-8 times a day. I refuse to pick up and talk to them because I'm sure they want money.  They need to stop.  I would certainly call this phone harrasment.  I'm going to start writing down everyone of their phone calls and report them.  They call at all hours of the day as well.  Morning, dinner-time, bed-time...too much.  Leave a message if you want to talk to me that badly.

I am working for community support inc and like I am asking if this s**t is legit like if I am even going to get paid and like if I am scamming ppl I swear man I hate this s**t and by reading real deal I feel for him I think this place is so f***ed up please just answer these questions

It's c/o their law firm.

By the way, Community Service Inc info:
Ph # 414-224-0224 or (800) 303 3306,
Fax:414-224-0227

Jam their phones???  Unfortunately most are just an answering service. These crooks have adresses and phones all over the country.

Owners are: Tom Birkenbush (Pres), Gersh Goldiner (Sec/Tres),
Bill English (Mgr)

Hey Real Deal, contact me and lets talk, you can reach me at revjames (at) pfcl.org

I think your information is pretty good and we would like to speak with you. Here is our site address at so you can see what we do, badgefraud org I think you will see that we have a lot in common.

Thanks

They also call from 202-747-7371. Total scam.

Received a call from someone asking for money for the National Vietnam Veterans Assn.  I told tjhem I would make contribution but they would have to send me info about their charity thru the mail.  They got perturbed and said they had none and hung up. The number was 973-999-6091.

The people from the Firefighters Charitable Foundation calls me about 3-5 times a day asking for a donation.  Is this charity legit?  If it is, then why is it that I call to leave a message and no one ever picks up or returns my call.  I am starting to get really angry.

AVOID this organization. Its nothing but a scam. No one has ever heard of the FIrefighters Support Foundation. Ive been a firefighter for 30 years and I tried to contact them for some "support" for my fire company...hahahahaha what a crock.

Don't forget that you can block phone numbers on your phone!  I've called Verizon and had several numbers blocked at one time.  Also if you have a login to their website the option is there also.  I'm only assuming that other companies have this this same option.

Contact your State's Attorney's General Office, Charity Division.

Request that the AG contact the Commercial Fundraiser, and charity request them to
1) Do not contact you, and your residence.
2) Do not sell/trade/transmit your personal information

You will need the Charity name, phone number, address and other aliases.
If you do not collect the Paid Commercial Fundraiser's name, phone number, and address they will switch charities and continue to call you.

This charity currently uses 1 Commercial Fundraiser:
Name: Community Support, Inc.
Address: 64 East Cleveland Street, GREENFIELD MA 01301
Phone: (401)568-3311

Subject Corrections Contact info:

American Breast Cancer Foundation
AKA ABCF
Address: 1220-B East Joppa Rd Suite 332, BALTIMORE, MD 21286
Phone #: (410)825-9388

Courtesy Call, Inc.
Community Support, Inc.
Address: 1835 East Charleston Suite 4, LAS VEGAS, NV 89104
Phone #: (702)388-2999

Community Support, Inc.  
Address: 312 E Wisconsin Avenue Suite 408, MILWAUKEE, WI 53202
Phone #: (414)224-0224

Iwork for a telemarketing outfit in the midwest that makes calls for a company called "Community Support" - Breast Cancer Relief Fund. I am, as most who work there, a recent parolee. Most everyone who works there are undesirables.  Many recovering addcts (homeless helters) and  fresh ec-cons. It is the last hope stopping plae to get some knid of employment. We also call for various police, veterans, and firefighters, childern's luekemia...and so-called charities. I am not proud of what i do, I do have a conscience. But, it was the only work could obtain with my record. It is a true numbers game...a hunt for the dumb and dumber. It pays $8/hr.. On a good day, I will bring in over $400 dollars in commitments.Of these commitments, a whopping 40% are actually stupid enough to mail a check back to the POBOX when the BILL comes in the mail. It looks like a bill and is very effective - especially with the older seniors...who we prey on especially   If i obtain a certain sales quota for the week, I recieve a bonus. A whole extra 25 cents an hour to make my pay $8.25. If I would have a lousy week or two in a row....they fire you. For them, it is all about what $$$ u brught them within the last hour. If u have a bad start to a shift, not making the money that day....they tell u to go home that day after 2 hours. It does not matter what u made yesturday. There is constant turnover. Most telemarketiers last 3 weeks if that. I have somehow worked there for 6 months. We make 400-500 computer asissted calls a shift. As SOON as one call is terminated, within a second u are talking to the next sucker. It is hell. I work in a dirty office basement with 20-30 other people sitting in folding chairs, calling from folding tables...talking loadly into phones...shoulder to shoulder with the next caller. It is so loud, u can't really hear what the callee your talking to is saying 1/2 the time. The scripts are very misleading, making like you have contributed before or in the case of police fundraising...an officer. It is a fine line as to what u can say or not say. U are ALWAYS monitored...constantly. If u are good and bring them money....u can stretch your script to the limit...but never cross a line with obvious lies. However, u need to learn quickly how to resond to questions from "suckers" to not lie, but quickly give the answer they want to hear. In fact, this is the only real "training" a new telemarketer gets...how to sound and say things, but not to say things....to mislead. This, MISLEADING telemarketing, once your a seasoned telemarker, makes the difference in getting a sale or not from the "sucker". Every call is recorded...for the telemarketers protection. We have to give a rebuttal (offer for a less donation after the "sucker" first says no) NO MATTER what. This makes me feel worse. Often, it is an old lady who responds, "Husband just died, I just got out of the hospital, Daughter losng her house" and with tears she says she can't help this year. Yet, I have to continue to harrass her...asking for at least $15. If I don't do this...I am monitored by supervisors (bald, tattoos, piercings, ex-cons also) who will fire u on the spot. So, u become numb to it. U just do what is expected. This telemarketing company takes about 85% of your donation. Do the math from the numbers i spelled out, you can see they do very well for themselves. (The owner was an original disciple of the infamous MITCH GOLD - king of telemarketing in Orange County - he went to federal prison for 8 years for fraud - google it yourself and see.) Well,the other 15% goes to the charity...but remember...THEY have administration expenses themselves...taking most of the little money left. Believe me,they are  IF YOU GIVE TO ONE CHARITY....EXPECT TO BE CONTINUALLY HARRASSED.
You will go on a "tap" sucker list....with telemarketers calling u for other donations under umbrella charities. Often the same caller ill call u back in 2 -3 months for another related charlity. They will try to run u as dry as possible, calling u for years, acting like u donated last year for THAT cause...even though your deseased spouse from 5 years ago that may have donated for another "scam" charity. It is mindboggling to me. But as they say, "There is a sucker born every day". God....how true is that!
I am soooo sorry for all the thousands iv'e called. I AM practically homeless with what i get paid ... but without this

Their harrassment and rip off of the public is shameful.  Also the WA State AG office lists their mailing address (their attorney perhaps?) as Community Support Inc, CO Copilevitz and Canter, 310 W. 20th St #300, Kansas City MO 64108

I am working for community support inc and like I am asking if this s*** is legit like if I am even going to get paid and like if I am scamming ppl I swear man I hate this s*** and by reading real deal I feel for him I think this place is so f****d up please just answer these questions

How To Stop These Calls
1) Contact your State's Attorney's General's Office, Charity Division.
2) Request help dealing with Commercial Fundraiser(s), and Charities harassing you.
3) You will need Both the Commercial Fundraiser's and Charity's contact information, name, address, and phone number. <provided below>
4) Request the AG formally request these charities, do not contact you, and do not sell/trade/transmit your personal information.

Wait 1 month, if they continue to call, contact the AG?s office again, and request further assistance.

Medical Support Association, Inc.
AKA Children's Cancer And Leukemia Relief Fund
AKA Children's Cancer Research Coalition
Address: 24 Cathedral Place Suite 407, ST AUGUSTINE, FL 32084
Phone #: (904)827-9511

3 Current Commercial Fundraisers:

Community Support, Inc.
Address: 312 E Wisconsin Avenue Suite 408, MILWAUKEE, WI 53202
Phone #: (414)224-0224

Midwest Publishing-DN, Inc.
Address: 10844 North 23rd Avenue, PHOENIX, AZ 85029
Phone #: (602)943-1244

Courtesy Health Watch, Inc.
Address:616 SW 6th Street, FT LAUDERDALE, FL 33315
Phone #: (954)712-1217

Verifiable at the Secretary of State of Washington state's website:
http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/search_detail.aspx?charity_id=22446

You can search for other charities on that website, you could also try www.CharityNavigator.org.

Name: Firefighters Support Foundation, Inc.
Address: 64 East Cleveland Street, GREENFIELD MA 01301
Phone: (401)568-3311
Federal EIN: 26-1903852

Paid Commercial Fundraiser(s): Community Support, Inc.

Community Support, Inc.  12% of the contributions raised by this organization were returned to or retained by the charity client(s).
Firefighters Support Foundation, Inc. 5% of its total expenses to program services during the year reported.

$20 * 12% * 5% = $0.12
Of a 20 dollar Donation, you did 12 cents of good.

Paid Commercial Fundraisers call you and collect donations on behalf of charities.
They keep the majority of the money for themselves.

Contact your State's Attorney's General Office, Charity Division.

Facts and Figures variable at the Secretary of State of Washington State's website:
http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/search_detail.aspx?charity_id=25133

There IS a Firefighters Support Foundation that is legit.  
Website:  http://www.ffsupport.org.
I easily contacted them at the 401-568-3311 number out of Greenfield, MA.  They do good work for the community and I'm writing because I do not want them to be wrongly associated with some company that sounds like them.  As a matter of fact, for you first responders, they have some EXCELLENT free on-line training - hit the "training" tab.  As a public health employee who's job it is to  provide preparedness training to first responders I'm impressed!  

Here is a sample of some of the trainings they offer:

After-Action Evaluations
Mental Health Topics for First Responders
Preparation for and Response to Mass Shooting Events

I have a concern over an organization called the "Breast Cancer Relief Foundation" (http://www.breastcancerrelief.org/). I believe this organization is mimicking a related organization and may be potentially reducing their donations, I almost donated to them thinking it was the legit one.

My concern about them is detailed on their IRS Form 990 from their website under "About Us" and then "corporate Overview."  In 2008 they awarded $27.7M in grants. On page 17 they list these grants and the majority of the money was funneled to South America. Only a small portion was given to US research organizations.

I am concerned that fraud is occurring and that legit organizations are suffering from it.

A concerned supporter.

Associated Community Services in Southfield Michigan is actually owned by Robert W. Burland Jr.  This is his ownership documentation from the state of Michigan.

http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/bcs_corp/dt_corp. ... SERVICES,%20INC.

He used to list his address out of his home at 5238 Addison Drive, Troy Michigan, 48098.

http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/bcs_corp/image.as ... %5C00002575.tif

Robert Burland and his company Associated Community Services recently had to settle for $100,000 fine with the state of Missouri for calling people on the do not call list:

http://ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2008/high_pres ... te_of_Missouri/

According to the Washington states SES, Associated Community Services only gives 31% of all our money we donate back to the charity.  In other words, a lot of the charities represented by Robert Burland and Associayed Community Services give the majority of donated money back to Robert Burland in the form of "fundraising expenses". Makes one wonder who owns the 60,000 stock in Associated Community Services. The vast majority are also represented by the same law firm.  Heres some of the charities that Associated Community Services work for:

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation, Inc.
Breast Cancer Society, Inc., The
Cancer Fund of America, Inc.
Children With Hairloss, Inc.
Children's Cancer Fund Of America, Inc.
Children's Charitable Foundation
Crusade For Child Safety, Inc.
Detectives Benevolent Association
Disabled Veterans Services, Inc.
Firefighters Assistance Fund, Inc.
FireFighters Charitable Foundation
Firefighters Support Services, Inc.
Foundation For American Veterans, Inc.
Law Enforcement Alliance of America, Inc.
Law Enforcement Education Program
National Children's Leukemia Foundation
Operation Lookout National Center for Missing Youth
Washington Chapter Of The United States Navy Veterans Association
Youth Development Fund (Tennessee)

Some of these "charities" goes as low as giving only 8% to those they represent....the rest goes to Associated Communitiy Services for fundraising.  This is a great website for fact checking, if you dont have a guidestar account:

http://www.secstate.wa.gov/charities/search_detail_cfr.aspx?cfr_id=364

I have simply made it a practice to not to give to any charity represented by Associated Community Services.  If any one else wants me to do some research on these charities, let me know.  You'll get a kick out of the Childrens Charitable Foundation in SC...theyre the ones who give only 8% to services.  Gets me ill that they use cancer, veterans and kids to make a buck.

American Police And Sheriff's Association, Inc.
- AKA American Police And Sheriffs Association
- AKA Police Officers Safety Association

AMVETS (American Veterans)
- AKA American Veterans of WW II, Korea & Vietnam
- AKA Amvets National Department

Cancer Center For Detection & Prevention
- AKA Breast Cancer Relief Foundation
- AKA Breast Cancer Relief Fund

Children's Charity Fund, Inc.
- AKA A Child's Wish Association Of America
- AKA A Childs Wish
- AKA Children's Charity Fund of Florida

Disabled Police Officers Counseling Center, Inc.
- AKA Disabled Police Officers Assistance Foundation
- AKA Disabled Police Officers Charitable Program

Disabled Police Officers Of America, Inc.
- AKA Disabled And Retired Police Officers Charitable Fund
- AKA Disabled And Retired Police Officers Educational Fund

FireFighters Charitable Foundation
- AKA Fire Victim's Fund

International Law Enforcement Games, Inc.
- AKA International Police and Fire Games

Law Enforcement Alliance of America, Inc.
- AKA Police And Troopers Alliance Of America

Medical Support Association, Inc., The
- AKA Children's Cancer And Leukemia Relief Fund
- AKA Children's Cancer Research Coalition

National Association Of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc.
- AKA National Association Of Police Athletic League
- AKA National PAL
- AKA NPAL
- AKA PAL
- AKA Police Activities League
- AKA Police Athletic Activities League
- AKA Police Athletic Leagues
- AKA Police Athletic/Activities League

United States Deputy Sheriff's Association, Inc.
- AKA Deputy Sheriff Magazine
- AKA United States Municipal Police Association (U.S. Deputy Sheriff's Assoc.)

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Washington
- AKA VFW Department of Washington
- AKA Washington Veterans of Foreign Wars

Washington Chapter Of The United States Navy Veterans Association
- AKA U.S. Navy Veterans Association (Washington State Chapter)
- AKA United States Navy Veterans Association (Washington State Chapter)

I thought I would make this information more easy for people searching Google to find it. All referenced at:
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/charities/search_detail_cfr.aspx?cfr_id=462

Commercial Fundraiser name is Community Support, Inc.  
Website listed here: http://www.csimoney.com/contact.htm

Known Charities they collect under are:

American Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., The
American Foundation for Disabled Children, Inc.
American Police And Sheriff's Association, Inc.
AMVETS (American Veterans)
Association for Firefighters and Paramedics, Inc.
Cancer Center For Detection & Prevention
Children's Charity Fund, Inc.
Committee for Missing Children, Inc., The
Disabled Police Officers Counseling Center, Inc.
Disabled Police Officers Of America, Inc.
FireFighters Charitable Foundation
Firefighters Support Foundation, Inc.
International Law Enforcement Games, Inc.
Junior Police Academy
Law Enforcement Alliance of America, Inc.
Medical Support Association, Inc., The
National Association Of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc.
National Vietnam Veterans Foundation, Inc.
Police Protective Fund
Reserve Police Officers Association
United States Deputy Sheriff's Association, Inc.
Veterans Assistance Foundation, Inc.
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Washington
Vietnam Veterans of Washington State
Washington Chapter Of The United States Navy Veterans Association
listed here:
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/charities/search_detail_cfr.aspx?cfr_id=462

If you choose to complain to your local Attorney General's Charitable office, have the Charities Name, Phone Number, Address, and complain about the Commercial Fundraiser. Attack the cause, not the symptom.