IRS warns of scams related to natural disasters
IR-2018-188SP, September 18, 2018
WASHINGTON – Following Hurricane Florence, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that criminals and fraudsters try to take advantage of the generosity of taxpayers who want to help victims of major disasters.
Fraudulent schemes typically start with unsolicited phone, social networks, email or in person, through a variety of tactics contacts.
- Some posing as charities to raise money or private information from well-meaning taxpayers.
- Fraudulent websites use similar legitimate to trick people to send money or provide personal financial information charities names.
- They even claim to work for or on behalf of the IRS to help victims file claims for losses and get tax refunds.
- Other operating bogus charities and solicit money or financial information by phone or email.
Aid for disaster victims
Disaster victims can call toll free IRS disaster assistance, 866-562-5227 . Telephone assistants answer questions about tax relief or tax issues related to disasters. Details on available relief can be found on page disaster relief (in English) on IRS.gov.
Donations to real charities
To help taxpayers to donate to legitimate charities, the IRS website, IRS.gov, you have a search function, Search tax – exempt organizations (in English), which helps users find or verify charities qualified. Donations to these charities can be tax deductible.
- Contribute by check or credit card. Never give or send cash to keep track of tax-deductible donation.
- Do not provide personal financial information such as social security numbers or credit card and bank accounts, and passwords, anyone requesting a contribution.
Taxpayers who suspect fraud email should visit IRS.gov and search for ” fraudulent practice Report phishing “. You can find more information about scams and schemes taxes on IRS.gov using the keywords “scams and schemes.”