Senior Scams - IRS Scam Alert
Have you heard about "IRS Scams?" Here's how they work:
You get a call from someone who says that they are with the IRS. They claim you owe back taxes. They threaten to sue you, arrest or deport you, or revoke your license if you don't pay right away. They tell you to put money on a prepaid debit card and the relay the card numbers to them.
The caller may know your Social Security number and your caller ID might show a Washington DC area code BUT......is it really the IRS calling?
NO. The real IRS won't ask you to pay with prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. They also won't ask for a credit card over the phone. When the IRS first contacts you about unpaid taxes, they do it by mail, not by phone and caller ID's can be faked.
Here's what you can do:
- Stop. Don't wire money or pay with a prepaid debit card. Once you send it, the money is one. If you have tax questions, go to irs.gov or call the IRS at 1-800-8229-1040.
- Pass this information on to a friend. You may not have received one of these calls, but chances are that you know someone who will - if you haven't already.
If you believe you've been a victor of a scam, please call your nearest police department.
Compliments of the Newport Beach Police Department
