WASHINGTON - Scammers posing as charities remains on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for the 2016 filing season.

A news release sent by the IRS warns taxpayers about groups masquerading as charitable organizations to attract donations from unsuspecting contributors as a way to steal money or personal information.

Compiled annually, the "Dirty Dozen" lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter anytime, but the IRS says many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to prepare their taxes.

The IRS warns that it's common for scam artists to impersonate charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers, especially after a major disaster.

Scam artists can use a variety of tactics, according to the IRS. Some scammers operating bogus charities may contact people by telephone or email to solicit money or financial information. They may even directly contact disaster victims and claim to be working for or on behalf of the IRS to help the victims file casualty loss claims and get tax refunds.

The IRS says scammers may attempt to get personal financial information or Social Security numbers that can be used to steal the victim's identities or financial resources. Bogus websites may solicit funds for disaster victims.

The IRS offers tips to taxpayers making charitable donations:

• 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.
• Don't give out personal financial information, such as Social Security numbers or passwords to anyone who solicits a contribution from you. Scam artists may use this information to steal your identity and money. People use credit card numbers to make legitimate donations but please be very careful when you are speaking with someone who has called you and you have not yet confirmed they are calling from a legitimate charity.
• 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.
• Impersonation of Charitable Organizations Another long-standing type of abuse or fraud involves scams that occur in the wake of significant natural disasters.

IRS.gov has a search feature, Exempt Organizations Select Check, which allows people to find legitimate, qualified charities to which donations may be tax-deductible. Legitimate charities will provide their Employer Identification Numbers, if requested, which can be used to verify their legitimacy through Exempt Organizations Select Check. It is advisable to double check using a charity's Employer Identification Number.

To help disaster victims, the IRS encourages taxpayers to donate to recognized charities. If you are a disaster victim call the IRS toll-free disaster assistance telephone number (1-866-562-5227) if you have questions about tax relief or disaster related tax issues.