IRS-Internal Revenue Service Warns About Fake Charity Scams Relating to So. Carolina Flood Victim Relief Nationwide

~ By Ripoff Report Consumer Advocate...Alice in Ripoff Land

Leave it up to low-life scammers to take full advantage of any natural disaster!  These psychopaths have no shame or remorse. The IRS is issuing a consumer alert about possible fake charity scams emerging due to severe flooding in South Carolina and neighboring states. 

Scammers will impersonate charities to solicit money or phish for payment information from unsuspecting, well-intentioned victims. They often set up phony charity websites or even spoof (falsely mimic) a legitimate charity’s website to lure potential donors to give money on their spoofed website. Or worse, they’ll send an email or text message that contains a link to make a donation. That link will likely contain MALWARE! (really bad stuff on your computer or smartphone) These creeps even solicit victims via social media, by mail or at your front door, claiming to be affiliated with legitimate charities.

Also be aware, that many legitimate charities often spend most of what they collect in donations, on their own salaries and administrative costs. So, before you give up your hard-earned money, ask for written information, showing how much of your contribution will actually be going to help those in need. Telemarketers who are affiliated with these charities often work on commission, so some of your donation will go directly to the telemarketer.

TIPS: 

Never give or send CASH. Pay with a credit card, but don’t give out your payment info - unless you’re 100% sure that the charity is legit.

It’s better to go directly to the charity’s office or enter the charity’s name directly into your browser, so you know the wesite is the legitimate one.

Many fake charities will use names that are similar to the names of legitimate charities, so do your research before giving money.

To check out a charity, go to www.charitynavigator.org  or www.charitywatch.org or check to see if they’re listed as an exempt organization at  www.irg.gov