Let’s talk tax scams. According to the IRS, some scammers impersonate charities or operate bogus charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers. For example, some have bogus websites which use names similar to legitimate charities to trick people to send money or provide personal financial information.

It doesn’t stop with just fake charities, though. Some scammers will reach out directly to taxpayers, claiming to be working for or on behalf of the IRS to help storm victims file casualty loss claims and get tax refunds. However, the IRS will not initiate contact with you by email (or phone) to discuss your tax account.

As the Carolinas continue recovering after Hurricane Florence, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a reminder to taxpayers that criminals and scammers will try to take advantage of the generosity of taxpayers who want to help and “undoubtedly pop up when [the] hurricane occurs.”

How it Starts

Fake charity-related scams usually start with some form of unsolicited contact. Usually, this would be a telephone call, social media post or message, e-mail or even an in-person visit. Successful scam calls lead to phishing schemes, identity theft or financial loss. 

• Some impersonate charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers.
• Bogus websites use names similar to legitimate charities to trick people to send money, or provide personal financial information.
• Sometimes, they even claim to be working for or on behalf of the IRS to help victims file casualty loss claims and get tax refunds.
• Others operate bogus charities and solicit money or financial information by telephone or email.

Furthermore, the IRS compiles a list known as the “Dirty Dozen”, and it’s not the least bit surprising that the fraudulent schemes involving fake charities winded up on there this year. They’re persuasive. The Dirty Dozen is compiled annually by the IRS and lists a variety of common scams taxpayers may encounter any time during the year. Check out more of the schemes here.

Donations

Finally, if you’re looking to donate, go through established channels like qualified charitable organizations. You can find more tips about charities offering assistance to Florence victims, and what to look for, here.

************************************************
Jeffrey Schneider, EA, CTRS, NTPI Fellow has the knowledge and expertise to help you reach a favorable outcome with the IRS. He is the head honcho at SFS Tax Problem Solutions as well as an Enrolled Agent and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist.
************************************************
Now What? I Got A Tax Notice From The IRS. Help! Defining and deconstructing the scary and confusing letters that land in your mailbox. Jeff defines and deconstructs the scary and confusing letters in a fashion that mixes attention to detail with humor and an intricate clarification of what is what in the world of the IRS.

The book is available in paperback and ebook on https://Amazon.com
************************************************
For more on SFS Tax Problem Solutions, visit: http://sfstaxproblemsolutions.com/
************************************************
738A Colorado Avenue Stuart, FL 34994
************************************************
Phone: (855) 355-8010
************************************************
https://twitter.com/SFSTaxAcct
https://linkedin.com/company/sfs-tax-problem-solutions
************************************************