Some phony charities will have names that are similar to well-known organizations, as well as websites that sound or look like those of legitimate organizations.
The IRS has a charity search feature, Tax Exempt Organization Search, that allows people to find legitimate, qualified charities to which donations may be tax-deductible.
If requested, charities can provide their Employer Identification Number (EIN) which can be used to verify their legitimacy through the IRS charity search tool.
The IRS suggests the following to safeguard your personal information:
• Do not routinely carry a Social Security card or other documents showing a Social Security number.
• Do not overshare personal information on social media. This includes information about past addresses, a new car, a new home and children.
• Keep old tax returns and tax records under lock and key.
• Safeguard electronic files by encrypting and properly disposing them.
• Shred tax documents before trashing.
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