Phishing, phone scams and identity theft top the list of items normally reported. However, following hurricanes and other disasters, taxpayers should be on the lookout for schemes stemming from these recent events.

“These scams evolve over time and adjust to reflect events in the news, but they all typically are variations on a familiar theme”.

When individuals and businesses deal with the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and wildland fires in the West, criminals may take advantage of the situation by creating fake charities to get money or personal information from sympathetic taxpayers. They also attempt to con victims by impersonating a relief agency or charity that will provide relief. Fraudulent scams and solicitation for donations may involve contact by telephone, social media, e-mail or in person.