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Scam Alert: Beware of Orlando-related charity scams

scam [1]The Internal Revenue Service has issued a consumer alert about possible fake charity scams emerging due to the recent mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., and encouraged taxpayers to seek out recognized charitable groups.

While there has been an enormous wave of support across the country for the victims and families of Orlando, it is common for scam artists to take advantage of this generosity by impersonating charities to get money or private information from well-meaning taxpayers. Such fraudulent schemes may involve contact by telephone, social media, e-mail or in-person solicitations.

The IRS cautions donors to follow these tips:

Bogus websites may solicit funds for victims of this tragedy. These sites frequently mimic the sites of, or use names similar to, legitimate charities, or claim to be affiliated with legitimate charities in order to persuade people to send money or provide personal financial information that can be used to steal identities or financial resources.

Additionally, scammers often send emails that steer recipients to bogus websites that appear to be affiliated with legitimate charitable causes.

Taxpayers suspecting fraud by email should visit IRS.gov and search for the keywords “Report Phishing [4].”

More information about tax scams and schemes may be found at IRS.gov using the keywords “scams and schemes.”

Reference:
https://www.irs.gov/uac/irs-warns-consumers-of-possible-scams-relating-to-orlando-mass-shooting [5]