The IRS is warning taxpayers about fake charitable organizations tricking people into donating to receive tax deductions. This type of scam has made the IRS’s 2018 Dirty Dozen scam list. These scammers attempt to attract donations from unsuspecting people by using a charitable reason and a tax deduction as bait for taxpayers. In reality, donations to these “fake” groups or causes don’t qualify for tax deductions.

If you plan on donating to charitable organizations, make sure you are familiar with the group. Legitimate and qualified charities are listed on the IRS’s Select Check search tool.