State officials in New York and Pennsylvania have warned the public about an ongoing phone scam perpetrated by con artists posing as officials from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Eric T. Schneiderman, state attorney general of New York, said that the scams often victimize students, senior citizens and first-generation Americans.
"With tax season around the corner, hardworking New Yorkers cannot afford to lose money to scam artists," Schneiderman explained.
"The tactics used by these fraudsters are reprehensible, but following a few basic tips can help protect you and your wallet."
One of the scams involves perpetrators using a spoofing device for caller IDs to prevent the victim from identifying the caller. The caller ID would display either "Internal Revenue Service" or the agency's phone number to mislead the victim.
The scammers would pose as a representative from the IRS or the Office of the Attorney General. They would then inform the potential victim that they have failed to settle a tax balance, which has now gone past due.
Victims often get coerced into paying the debt immediately, with the scammers telling them that they would get arrested unless the settle their account.
Payment of the supposed "IRS Tax Warrant" would be paid through Western Union MoneyGram or using the victims' Green Dot Card Money Card.
In some cases, the perpetrators would also ask for the victims' personal information, particularly their SSN, with the intent of using it to commit identity theft.
In Pennsylvania, residents living in Chester and Delaware counties have fallen victim to scammers claiming to be agents from the U.S. Treasury.
Victims said that they received threats from the said government agents unless they comply with the request. This often involved an appearance before a magistrate judge or grand jury for a supposed federal criminal offense.
Michael Langdale, a detective sergeant from the Upper Providence Police Department, said that scammers use scare tactics on potential victims in order to force them to pay up and reveal their personal information.
He said that his office has received a large number of reports regarding scams throughout the past week.
Langdale warns residents not to give out their personal information unless it is necessary.
"If the IRS has your tax return and thinks you've bilked them out of things, they have your social already," Langdale said. "They have your date of birth. There's no reason for them to ask you for it."
How To Avoid Getting Victimized By Scams
To prevent residents from falling victim to dubious tactics of scammers, Schneiderman offered the following tips:
1. Beware of calls from supposed government agents demanding payment of debt by phone.
If a person is required to settle an account, the IRS and other legitimate agencies will provide an official notice in writing as well as an explanation as to why they owe money.
Government agencies do not threaten individuals with arrest or deportation if they fail to settle a debt. They also do not require debts to be settled through pre-paid credit card.
2. Never provide personal information if the call is unsolicited.
Schneiderman said that it is okay to provide information over the phone if the call is made to a known and trusted number such as a person's own bank. People should be wary of giving out their personal information, however, if the request was made through an unsolicited call.
If a person receives a phone call asking for personal information, Schneiderman said they should hang up the phone regardless of what the caller ID displays.
If the caller claims to be a representative of the person's bank and is inquiring about possible illegal withdrawals from their account, they should hang up and then call their bank themselves.
3. Beware of callers who ask to keep conversations a secret.
Residents are also advised not to entertain calls from government or bank agents who request that conversations be kept a secret. Schneiderman said that a legitimate caller will never make such a request.
4. Learn to say no.
Schneiderman pointed out that people do not have to be polite when answering to unsolicited calls. If they receive one, they should just say "no" and hang up the phone. He said that it is better to be guarded than to become victimized by a scam.
