With tax season upon us, there may be an increase in calls from telephone scammers pretending to be with the Internal Revenue Service and demanding money for unpaid taxes. Here is what to watch for.
Internal Revenue Service Scam
Callers purport to be an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) representative. Using intimidation tactics, the caller tries to take control of the situation from the beginning. The caller advises the call recipient that the IRS has charges against them and threatens legal action and arrest. If the recipient questions the caller in any way, the caller becomes more aggressive.
The recipients are advised that it will cost thousands of dollars in fees/court costs to resolve this matter. The caller creates a sense of urgency by saying that being arrested can be avoided and fees reduced if the recipient purchases Moneypak or other gift cards to cover the fees within an hour.
Remember these five things if you think you are on the line with an IRS scammer or other type of phone scammer:
- You should never be asked to pay for any legitimate bill (utility, credit card, IRS payments, etc.) with any type of gift card.
- The local police will never come to arrest you for an unpaid bill of any kind.
- The IRS does not make "robocalls" (a computer-generated voice giving you a phone number to call back).
- There is no such thing as "Windows Security" that remotely monitors your computer and calls you if they find a "breach" or to tell you your "SECURITY KEY" has expired.
- Be extremely vigilant if someone is calling to tell you a loved one has been in an accident, arrested or stranded and needs immediate cash.
If you receive an IRS scam call, hang up. You can report the contact on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration website or call 800-366-4484.
Please share this information with those who may be susceptible to the scam, such as seniors. If you sent money, please contact the Riverwoods Police immediately at 847-945-1820 to file a report.
For questions or more information, contact Chief of Police Bruce Dayno at 847-945-1130 or email bdayno@riverwoods.gov
