Charity Scams Information

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The IRS is warning the public about few charity scams following recent weather disasters.

These are some of the ways these bogus charity scam operate:

*Watch for claims to be with real charities to gain public trust.
*They use names similar to legitimate charities.
*They use email to steer people to bogus websites that often look like real charity sites.
*They may contact you by phone or email to get them to ‘donate’ money or get your financial information.


Some of the tips offered by the IRS to help taxpayers are:

How do you know is a qualify charity?
Use the Exempt Organizations Select Check tool at IRS.gov to find qualified charities. You can also find legitimate charities at the Federal Emergency Management Agency website, fema.gov.

Is it safe to give information to strangers?
Don’t give your Social Security number, credit card and bank account numbers or passwords to anyone. Scam artists use this information to steal your identity and money.

Is is safe to give cash?
For security and tax record purposes, don’t give or send cash. Contribute by check, credit card or another way that provides documentation of the donation.

If you suspect fraud?
If you suspect tax or charity-related fraud, visit IRS.gov and click on ‘Reporting Phishing’ at the bottom of the home page.

For more information about tax scams and schemes at IRS.gov. Click on ‘Tax Fraud & Abuse’ at the bottom of the home page. You can also get Publication 526 at IRS.gov or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Source: http://www.irs.gov