The IRS has issued a consumer alert about possible fake charity scams in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla.

Scam artists commonly try to take advantage of generosity after such a headline tragedy by impersonating charities to get money or private information from taxpayers, the agency warns. Such fraudulent schemes may involve contact by telephone, social media, e-mail or in-person solicitations.

The IRS cautions donors to follow these tips:

•Donate to recognized charities and beware of charities with names similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. Some phony charities use names or Web sites that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations. The IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check feature, helps find qualified charities. Donations to these charities may also be tax-deductible.

•Don’t 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.

•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.

•Bogus Web sites may solicit funds for victims of this tragedy, frequently mimicking the sites of legitimate charities or claiming to be affiliated with legitimate charities.

•Scammers often send e-mails that steer recipients to bogus sites that appear to be affiliated with legitimate charitable causes.

Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.

This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.

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