The Redwood City Police Department is continuing to see an
increase of telephone scams to residents in which the caller claims to be an
IRS agent. The caller tells the
unsuspecting victim that there is a problem with their tax return and that they
need to pay the amount immediately or they would be arrested. The suspects tell the victims that they need
to purchase pre-paid cards and provide them to the suspect. Other scams include callers claiming to be
law enforcement asking for payment over the phone or a “bench warrant” would be
issued, and lotto scams where callers ask for money over the phone claiming
that the victim has won a lottery sweepstakes.
We advise all residents-DO NOT WIRE MONEY OR PURCHASE
PRE-PAID CARDS for un-solicited calls on the telephone. These are all scams and the IRS and Law
Enforcement do not operate like this.
The IRS will always send taxpayers a written notification of
any tax due via the U.S. mail. The IRS never asks for credit card, debit card
or prepaid card information over the telephone. For more information or to
report a scam, go to www.irs.gov and type "scam" in the search box.
Here are some warning signs of telemarketing fraud—what a
caller may tell you:
·
“You must
act ‘now’ or the offer won’t be good.”
·
“You’ve won
a ‘free’ gift, vacation, or lottery sweepstakes.” But you have to pay for
“postage and handling” or other charges.
·
“You must send
money, give a credit card or bank account number, or have a pre-paid credit card
ready.” You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer
carefully.
·
“You don’t
need to check out this out with anyone.” The callers say you do not need to
speak to anyone including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better
Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.
·
“You don’t
need any written information about their company or their references.”
·
“You can’t
afford to miss this ‘high-profit, no-risk’ offer.”
If you hear these or similar “lines” from a telephone
salesperson, just say “no thank you” and hang up the telephone. Call the Redwood City Police Department to
report these scams 650.780.7100.
Here are some good general warming signs to avoid being
scammed:
•If the caller
demands payment by phone.
•If the caller wants payment using a prepaid cash/credit
card.
•If the caller wants payment via a Western Union Moneygram
or other money wire service.
Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls. If you have questions,
or have fallen victim to a telephone scam contact the Redwood City Police
Department 650.780.7100
