Scammers have no qualms about taking advantage of your willingness to help, that’s why you should keep an eye out for charity scams. Here’s what you need to know.

How do Charity Scams Work?

A charity scam is the act of asking for money to supposedly help a noble cause, although actually the money ends up lining the pockets of criminals. 

Any natural disaster or catastrophic event that makes the news creates the perfect conditions for fake charity scams.

Needless to say, criminals were quick to take advantage of the concern caused by the coronavirus pandemic, sparking an uptick in scam attempts that has become a major concern for authorities.   

How to Avoid Charity Scams

Luckily, avoiding charity scams is easy if you know how to identify legitimate charities.

If you are interested in claiming a tax deduction after donating money or goods, the IRS online tool Tax Exempt Organization Search will help you determine whether the institution you have in mind is a qualified charity.

Here are other guidelines to help you ward off charity scams:

• Don’t let anyone pressure you into donating. This is a red flag that should put you on alert. If the other person wants you to donate as soon as possible, chances are that they want to prevent you from doing a thorough research.
• Before donating ask for the exact name, web address, and mailing address so that you can confirm all this information yourself. Keep in mind that scammers will try to confuse you by using names that are similar to those of reputable charities.
• Never donate to a charity by buying gift cards or wiring money. This is a well-known scam and no legitimate organization raises funds this way. The safest for you is to make your donations by credit card or check after doing all the necessary research.

Contact the Experts at JT Tax Services

Do you need help preparing your taxes? Do you want to learn more about refunds and credits? At JT Tax Services, we give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are limiting your liability while staying compliant with all regulations.

We are located in Oxnard, California. Contact us today by email (info@jttaxservices.com), telephone (805-984-8890), or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our services.