I used to get sucked in to the "whatever Association's" fundraiser to send local kids to the circus, until my husband told me that the group doing this is in actuality a union, not an actual non-profit interested in helping any underprivileged child!
Almost always the case. If you need proof, ask for their precinct number, name, and badge number. Most will hang up on you. One time I was shocked when they gave me an answer, so I said: "Oh! Then you must know So-And-So", then they hung up on me.