10/01/2024
BEWARE, OF FAKE CHARITIES!
Disasters like Helene always seem to bring out the evil in people.
Internal Revenue Service warned taxpayers about groups masquerading as charitable organizations to attract donations from unsuspecting contributors.
In natural disasters and other tragic events, it’s common for compassionate individuals to donate money to help the victims. Unfortunately, scammers often use fake charities as a cover to not only obtain money but also gather sensitive personal and financial information that can be exploited for tax-related identity fraud.
You can always check by using the Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool on IRS.gov to ensure legitimacy.
You can also check at Charity Navigator - www.charitynavigator.org
or Guidestar - www.guidestar.org
Scammers who might use email communications or manipulate caller IDs to deceive people into donating funds to charities.
These fraudsters often target groups such as seniors and those with limited English proficiency.
Here are some helpful tips to avoid getting scammed:
Don’t give in to pressure.
Scammers often create situations to get people to make
payments. Genuine charities are always grateful for donations.
Donors should take their time and research before making a
charitable contribution.
Exercise caution
When making donation payments. Avoid any charity that
requests gift card numbers or wire transfers. It’s better to pay by
credit card or check after ensuring the charity’s authenticity.
Verify the legitimacy of the charity.
Scammers often use similar-sounding names for charities to
confuse people. Before donating, potential donors need to ask
the fundraiser for the charity's name, website and mailing
address so they can independently verify its authenticity. Use
the special IRS TEOS tool to verify if an organization is a
legitimate tax-exempt charity.
Avoid sharing too much information.
Scammers are always on the lookout for both money and
personal data. Never disclose Social Security numbers, credit
card numbers or personal identification numbers. Only provide
bank or credit card details after confirming the charity's
legitimacy.
Find and check a charity using Candid's GuideStar. Look up 501(c)(3) status, search 990s, create nonprofit organizations lists, and verify nonprofit information.
