IRS Warns About Disaster-Related Scam Artists

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The IRS has issued a taxpayer alert (http://www.irs.gov/uac/Beware-of-Hurricane-Sandy-Scams) to warn taxpayers about possible scams in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.  The IRS is aware that scam artists have been impersonating charities to get money or personal information from well-meaning taxpayers.  These fraudulent schemes can involve contact by telephone, social media, e-mail or in-person solicitations.

In the alert, the IRS warns hurricane victims and those wishing to make charitable donations to avoid these scam artists by:

(1)   Only donating to recognized charities such as Red Cross, United Way or Salvation Army.  But beware of charities with names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations.  Scam artists often mimic the names and websites of legitimate charities.  Scam artists also use e-mail solicitation that directs the email recipient to a bogus website that appears to be affiliated with a legitimate charity.

(2)   Check out the name of the soliciting charity on the IRS website using the “Exempt Organizations Check” feature.  This feature permits you to find legitimate, qualified charities to which tax-deductible donations may be made.   Legitimate charities can also be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.

(3)   Don’t give out personal financial information to anyone who contacts you soliciting a contribution.  Scam artists often attempt to collect personal information like Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account numbers and passwords which they can use to steal your identity.

(4)   Also be careful if are a victim of a natural disaster.  Scam artists running bogus charities also target victims to solicit money or financial information. These scam artists have been known to contact disaster victims and claim to be working with the IRS to help victims file loss claims and get tax refunds.  These scam artists also attempt to get personal financial information that can be used to steal the victim’s identity or money.

(5)    Don’t give or send cash to anyone.  For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card or another method that provides documentation of your gift.

(6)   Call the IRS toll-free disaster assistance telephone number (1-866-562-5227) if you are a hurricane victim with specific questions about tax relief or disaster related tax.

(7)   Taxpayers who suspect disaster-related scams should go to the IRS website and search for the keywords “Report Phishing.”  More information about tax scams and schemes can be found at the IRS website by using the keywords “scams and schemes.”

If you would like more information about this disaster-related scams, check out the IRS website or give me a call or email at 937-223-1130 or Jsenney@pselaw.com

AND ONE MORE THING.   The State of Ohio Tax Department is continuing its USE tax enforcement efforts against businesses.  In conjunction with this enforcement effort, the Ohio Tax Department has offered an amnesty program which runs until the end of April, 2013.  Businesses that enter the program will have to pay use tax back to January 1, 2009, but will not have to pay interest or penalty. If you want to know more about use tax or the amnesty program, please give me a call. Jsenney@pselaw.com or 937-223-1130.