actually folks, after doing a bit of research on Jim Paton, WA on google, this man appears to be very legit. Including giving $100,000 to Swedish Hospital from the donations collected. I did miss the phone call and looked at the caller ID which said BCPF which led me to look up the number.
There is also a site that shows a letter from the State of Washington thanking Jim Paton and BCPF for the $200,000 raised. So folks, not everyone that calls is a scammed. Yet it is always good to check it out.
I wanted to make sure I wrote this for others who read Porgie's comments above. A little bit of research (10 minutes at most)
would have told this commenter that she didn't have to contact the Feds, of indeed she truly did. Have a good day.
This number calls me daily and does not leave a message. Caller ID only lists number, no name, just "Seattle". Very annoying. I have an unlisted number, which is supposed to prevent telemarketers from accessing it. Grr...
In 2008 BC Prevention Fund raised $3.8 Million. It did give $550,000 in grants which is 14% of donations. It also paid Legacy Marketing $2.3 Million for "outreach services" -- 60% of donations. Jim Paton is the Executive Director of BC Prevention Fund and the BC Prevention Fund tax return says he gets no salary and spends 30 hours a week on BC Prevention. But he is also the part owner of Legacy Marketing, which his employer charity paid $2.3 Million.
This woman asked for donations upon her death to this fund - I think they are for real. James Paton even signed her online book thanking the family. Not sure how you can make this one up as part of a 'scam'