--- title: IRS Warns Against Scams Related to Hurricane Harvey description: It’s a sad reality that cyber-criminals eagerly exploit tragic circumstances in order to take advantage of and steal from new targets. 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[Hospitality, Restaurants, and Retail](https://scottandco.com/industries/retail) - [Manufacturing and Distribution](https://scottandco.com/industries/manufacturing) - [Medical](https://scottandco.com/industries/medical) - [Nonprofit](https://scottandco.com/industries/non-profit) - [Professional and Business Services](https://scottandco.com/industries/professional-services) - [Real Estate](https://scottandco.com/industries/real-estate) - [Insights](https://scottandco.com/blog) - [Careers](https://scottandco.com/careers) 1 min read # IRS Warns Against Scams Related to Hurricane Harvey [Admin](https://scottandco.com/blog/author/admin) Aug 31, 2017, 12:00:00 AM [Blog](https://scottandco.com/blog/tag/blog) ![IRS Warns Against Scams Related to Hurricane Harvey](https://scottandco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AdobeStock_127335251_resized-1.jpg) It’s a sad reality that cyber-criminals eagerly exploit tragic circumstances in order to take advantage of and steal from new targets. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, a number of new scams have cropped up, including: - An IRS-themed phishing scam that instructs the receiver to download an FBI questionnaire (once the target clicks the link, their computer is infected with ransomware) - Facebook pages and tweets with links to fake charity websites - Scam emails seeking donations to #HurricaneHarvey Relief Funds (any donations made are simply kept by the cybercriminal who sent the email) Keep the following in mind if and when you encounter a potential cyber scam: - The IRS will NEVER use email, text messages, or social media to contact you about personal tax issues. If you receive or fall victim to an IRS-themed scam, be sure to report it to the IRS at [phishing@irs.gov](mailto:phishing@irs.gov). - Victims of ransomware schemes should never pay a ransom, as this further encourages the criminals, and often they refuse to provide the decryption key even after a ransom is paid. Rather, victims should immediately report any ransomware attempt or attack to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center ([www.IC3.gov](http://www.ic3.gov/)). - If you desire to make a donation in support of the victims of Hurricane Harvey, go directly to the website of the charity of your choice in order to do so. - Always think before you click on any links in emails or texts you receive!" - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Scott Logo with Tagline - FINAL-ReversedText](https://scottandco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Scott%20Logo%20with%20Tagline%20-%20FINAL-ReversedText.png?width=300&height=92&name=Scott%20Logo%20with%20Tagline%20-%20FINAL-ReversedText.png)   ##### Quick Links Quick Links - [About](https://scottandco.com/about) - [Services](https://scottandco.com/services) - [Industries](https://scottandco.com/industries) - [Insights](https://scottandco.com/blog) - [Careers](https://scottandco.com/careers) ![SCBIZ BPTW logo 2026](https://scottandco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SCBIZ%20BPTW%20logo%202026.png?width=150&height=158&name=SCBIZ%20BPTW%20logo%202026.png) Proud to be named a South Carolina 2026 Best Places to Work—our 12th year on this prestigious list. 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