IRS Warns of South Carolina Flood Donation Scams

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a consumer alert about possible fake charity scams emerging due to severe flooding in South Carolina and neighboring states.

“When making donations to assist flood victims in South Carolina and elsewhere, taxpayers should take steps to ensure their hard-earned money goes to legitimate and currently eligible charities,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “IRS.gov has the tools taxpayers need to check out the status of charitable organizations.”

Following major disasters, it is 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 people wishing to make disaster-related charitable donations to avoid scam artists by following some tips such as being wary of charities with names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations.

Some phony charities use names or websites that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations.

Legitimate charities may also be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website at www.FEMA.gov.

Also, never give out personal financial information — such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers and passwords — to anyone who solicits a contribution from you. Scam artists may use this information to steal your identity and money.

Finally, don’t give or send cash.

For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card or another way that provides documentation of the gift.

Taxpayers suspecting disaster-related frauds by email should visit www.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.”