Ways to Help — and Protect Yourself — When Donating After a Disaster
Disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. In the aftermath, many people want to help, often by donating money to those in need. Unfortunately, scammers also take advantage of these moments, targeting both survivors and well-intentioned donors.
How to Donate Safely
If you’re considering donating after a disaster, keep these tips in mind:
- ✅ Verify the charity. Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to confirm an organization is legitimate and donations are tax-deductible.
- ✅ Know the red flags. Real charities won’t ask for gift cards, cash, or wire transfers.
- ✅ Keep records. Always get a receipt for your donation and save it for your tax records.
- ✅ Double-check statements. Review your bank or credit card statements to confirm donation amounts are correct.
Common Scam Tactics
Scammers often:
- Pretend to work for the IRS, FEMA, or other government agencies.
- Pose as representatives of real charities.
- Use fake caller IDs to appear legitimate.
- Make vague, emotional appeals without details on how donations will be used.
- Set up websites with names that sound like real organizations.
- Claim donations are tax deductible when they’re not.
Resources for Survivors
Disaster survivors can call the IRS disaster assistance line at 866-562-5227 for questions about tax relief or disaster-related tax issues.
Where to Report Scams
If you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. You can also find more information at:
- National Center for Disaster Fraud
- DisasterAssistance.gov
- IRS Publication 3067, Disaster Assistance – Federally Declared Disaster Area
The Bottom Line
Donating after a disaster is one of the best ways to help survivors. By verifying charities, keeping records, and staying alert to scams, you can make sure your generosity truly reaches those in need.
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