NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Lieutenant Clint Simpson
For Release February 10, 2016

During the past several days, the Eden Police Department has received multiple calls from concerned citizens, in regards to phone calls received from individuals claiming to be associated with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). These types of calls are a scam where the perpetrator attempts to steal money or personal identifying information from an unsuspecting victim. The caller will claim to be an IRS official, and say taxes are owed by the victim and demand immediate payment. The caller will often threaten arrest by local authorities if the money is not sent to take care of the outstanding tax bill. Many people are frightened and end up sending money by prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. Victims may think the call is legitimate based solely on the fact the call is from a number with a 202 area code, which is assigned to Washington DC. If you receive one of these calls hang up immediately. The IRS WILL NOT:

• Call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.
• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.
• Demand that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.
• Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone
• threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

For more information on this particular scam visit the IRS website at

https://www.irs.gov/uac/IRS-Urges-Public-to-Stay-Alert-for-Scam-Phone-Calls

or visit

https://www.irs.gov for general information about the IRS

 

For additional questions concerning this scam, Contact Sergeant David Lamberth at the Eden Police Department at 336-623-9240 x238.