The IRS has reported a number of scams that have arisen in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando. While sometimes they come from take charitable organizations, others masquerade as legitimate organizations while trying to take your money or personal information. 

Scams tend to bubble up after a mass tragedy. Fraudsters have taken advantage of events such as the earthquake in Nepal, the Japanese tsunami, the Syrian civil war, and the Boston Marathon bombing. 

To avoid falling victim, the IRS recommends that you: 

• * Be sure to donate to recognized charities. 
• * Be wary of charities with names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. Some phony charities use names or websites that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations. The IRS website at IRS.gov has a search feature, Exempt Organizations Select Check, through which people may find qualified charities; donations to these charities may be tax-deductible.
• * Don’t give out personal financial information — such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers and passwords — to anyone who solicits a contribution. Scam artists may use this information to steal a donor’s identity and money.
• * Don’t give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card or another way that provides documentation of the gift.
• * Consult IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, available on IRS.gov. This free booklet describes the tax rules that apply to making tax-deductible donations. Among other things, it also provides complete details on what records to keep.