This is a true story. Names and images have been changed to protect privacy. What happened to Mrs. V is a big part of why I created CharityCheck101.org. A local police department asked me to help them figure out what had happened to money of an older woman (I’ll call...
From the IRS: Crowdfunding is a popular way to raise money online. People often use crowdfunding to fundraise for a business, for charity, or for gifts. It's important to know that money raised through crowdfunding may be taxable. Highlights from the IRS Tax Tip If a...
From the IRS: After an emergency or disaster, people rally to help victims by donating money. Unfortunately, this can give criminals an opportunity to prey on them by soliciting donations for fake charities. Scammers may also pose as federal agencies to dupe disaster...
As I remind you in The Best Charities for You, it's up to donors to evaluate charities. Although most charities must register with the IRS and file annual information returns on Form 990, the IRS is not set up to evaluate or monitor charities. Want proof? Not long...
Natural disasters, dread diseases or the plight of veterans - they bring out the scammers who create fake charities to grab the dollars of caring men and women. “Charity” scammers do double damage. They take from the donor, and they take from those the donor wanted to...