Following major disasters, it's common for scam artists to impersonate charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a consumer alert about possible scams taking place in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
IR-2012-91
Full Text:
IRS Warns Consumers of Possible Scams
Relating to Hurricane Sandy Relief
WASHINGTON -- The Internal Revenue Service today issued a consumer alert about possible scams taking place in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
Following major disasters, it's common for scam artists to impersonate charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers. Such fraudulent schemes may involve contact by telephone, social media, email or in-person solicitations.
The IRS cautions both hurricane victims and people wishing to make disaster-related charitable donations to avoid scam artists by following these tips:
Scam artists can use a variety of tactics. Some scammers operating bogus charities may contact people by telephone to solicit money or financial information. They may even directly contact disaster victims and claim to be working for or on behalf of the IRS to help the victims file casualty loss claims and get tax refunds. They may attempt to get personal financial information or Social Security numbers that can be used to steal the victims' identities or financial resources.
Bogus websites may solicit funds for disaster victims. Such fraudulent 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 members of the public to send money or provide personal financial information that can be used to steal identities or financial resources. Additionally, scammers often send e-mail that steers the recipient to bogus websites that sound as though they are affiliated with legitimate charitable causes.
Taxpayers suspecting disaster-related frauds should visit IRS.gov and search for the keywords "Report Phishing."
More information about tax scams and schemes may be found at IRS.gov using the keywords "scams and schemes."