Fake IRS phone calls are once again being received by mountain residents who should be aware of the fact the IRS does not try to collect taxes over the phone. Report the scam to authorities. (File Photo)
By Michael P. Neufeld
Mountain Communities – Residents in the mountain and neighboring communities have once again been targeted by a series of scam phone calls from people posing as agents from the Internal Revenue Service.
The fake agents are reportedly informing residents and seniors that they owe delinquent taxes, according to information obtained from the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. They then attempt to pressure the individuals to pay the alleged debt.
“It sounded so real, ” one resident told ROTWNEWS.com, ”and when I called a second number provided by the male caller they answered Internal Revenue Service. Only a call to a legitimate IRS office cleared up the matter. In fact, the IRS agent told me they never try to collect money over the phone.
“I was also told the scams are run on a regional basis,” the woman stated.
THE PHONE CALLS
In addition to stating mountain residents owe the IRS money, the IRS impersonators have threatened arrest, deportation, and/or suspension of their driver’s license unless they provide payment over the telephone through pre-loaded debit cards or wire transfers, according to the press release.
“They may call back numerous times,” the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services information emphasizes, “and pretend to be law enforcement or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials and send you an e-mail claiming to be from the IRS and they need to collect a debit. This is a scam.”
In addition, scammers may tamper with the individual’s telephone Caller ID to make it appear as if the call is being generated by the IRS.
IRS TIPS FOR RESIDENTS
The IRS recommends that residents:
* Politely ask for their call back information and then hang up.
* Do not open any attachments in unexpected e-mails that claim to be from the IRS.
* Never give a caller any personal or financial information.
* Contact the IRS directly if you have concerns about your account.
* Know that the IRS, Law Enforcement, and USCIS do not initiate contact through e-mail, text messages or social media.
* Be aware that the IRS will never ask for your PIN, password, or confidential access information for your credit or bank accounts.
The first contact between IRS and tax payers regarding a tax issue is likely to occur through the mail.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you believe you may be a victim of a scam, contact San Bernardino County Adult Protective Services (APS) at (877) 565-2020, or the local Sheriff’s Station — Big Bear (909) 866-0100 or Twin Peaks (909) 336-0600. (148)