Hey ,
Fake charities are scammers who pretend to be legitimate organizations that help people in need. They use various tactics to trick you into giving them money or
revealing your personal information, such as:
- Sending you unsolicited emails, texts, calls, or letters asking for donations.
- Setting up fake websites or social media accounts that look like real charities.
- Using names or logos that are similar to those of well-known charities.
- Claiming to be affiliated with the government, the IRS, or other reputable entities.
- Offering you prizes, rewards, tax deductions, or other incentives for donating.
Fake charities not only steal your money and identity, but they also harm the people who really need your help. They divert funds and
resources away from genuine causes and undermine the public trust in charitable giving.
More importantly, you cannot deduct donations made to fake charities. This means you or your business loses out on tax savings.
Tips to help you avoid fake charities:
- Verify the charity’s name, address, phone number, website, and tax-exempt status on the IRS
website or other reliable sources.
- Ask for detailed information about the charity’s mission, programs, and finances.
- Avoid giving cash, wire transfers, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards. Use a check or credit card instead and keep a record of your
donation.
- Never give out your personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you unsolicited.
- Report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to the IRS, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state attorney general.
If you are in any kind of tax trouble I did not know about, feel free to contact me using the link below.
