On Giving Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service and its Security Summit partners are warning people to be on alert for scammers using fake charities to commit fraud during the holidays and year-round.
Being alert to potential scams will also help protect personal and financial data that can be used in tax-related identity theft.
“People should watch out for fake charities, which create problems on multiple fronts,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. “Not only can well-intentioned donors lose out on their money and a potential charitable donation credit, but their personal financial information could also be stolen. We urge people to act carefully before they give, including following several tips to make sure the charity is legitimate.”
Working together as the Security Summit, the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax software and tax professional industries are providing tips this week to help protect people against identity theft as well as help safeguard sensitive tax information that criminals can use to try to file fake tax returns and obtain refunds.
This effort is part of National Tax Security Awareness Week, now in its seventh year.
Scammers often take advantage of people’s generosity by setting up fake charities to trick unsuspecting donors into giving away not only money, but also their sensitive…
