12 biggest tax scams to avoid

Taking advantage of your goodwill and pocketing your donations is Mission No. 1 for fake charities.

The IRS warned taxpayers not to be suckered into giving money to any group until confirming it's legitimate.

Fake charities often use names that sound like well-known ones, and make their websites look similar.

The IRS recommends using its Select Check tool, though it is not the most user-friendly. As a backup, look up the organization on Charity Navigator.

Never give your personal financial information, such as your Social Security number, to anyone asking for money, the IRS warned. And if you're going to make a donation using your credit card, only do so with an organization you trust.

Also, never give or send cash - which is catnip for scammers. To make a tax-deductible contribution, pay by check or credit card, so you have a record of the payment. The charity should also send you a receipt.

And be extra cautious when asked to help victims of a natural disaster. Scammers claiming to represent a charity may phone or email you to ask for money or financial information, the IRS said.