left me a message and asked to call "Amber" back at 312-266-4550, she was calling from the "Chicago School System" and she "needed my help." When I called back, she said that the kids (from several schools, did not recognize the names of any) were going on a field trip and they didn't have enough $ and could i donate. SCAM!
Caller said that Big Brothers Big Sisters was looking for businesses and individuals to purchase tickets so that children can go to the circus in Chicago. Since Big Brothers Big Sisters is a fine organization, I pledged but refused to give credit card information over the phone. A person called back a few minutes later to confirm my pledge, and when I asked about the payee for the check, she said "Chicago Children's Circus." Guidestar does not have any information on this charity, and an internet search for a webpage found nothing useful. I found this site by searching using the phone number. Cunningham & Moore mentioned above has a "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau in Dallas. Needless to say, I will not be fulfilling my pledge.