IRS Warns of Typhoon Haiyan-Related Scams

The Internal Revenue Service is warning of scams following in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, which caused massive devastation in the Philippines.

IRS Spokeswoman Peggy Riley said it is common for scam artists to impersonate charities to get money or private information from taxpayers via telephone, social media, email or in person.

The agency recommends that taxpayers donate to recognized charities to help disaster victims and to be wary of charities with names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations.

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

On its website, the IRS has a search feature known as Exempt Organizations Select Check, through which people can find legitimate, qualified charities.

Also, the agency is asking taxpayers not to give out personal financial information, such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers or passwords – to anyone who solicits a contribution.

People should not give or send cash, but rather contribute by check or credit card for security and tax record purposes.

Scammers may also send emails that steer recipients to bogus websites that appear to be affiliated with legitimate charitable causes. Taxpayers suspecting fraud should visit the IRS’s website and search for the keywords “report phishing.”