Most Recent Phone Scam

IRS-Impersonation Telephone Scam:

An aggressive and sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, has been making the rounds throughout the country. Callers claim to be employees of the IRS but are not. These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. 

Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.

Or, victims may be told they have a refund due to try to trick them into sharing private information. 

If the phone isn't answered, the scammers often leave an “urgent” callback request.

Note that the IRS will never: 1) call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill; 2) demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe; 3) require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card; 4) ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone; or 5) threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

While the Acushnet Police Department will take a report from you regarding this incident, it is, unfortunately, the extent of involvement we can offer. Provided that you have not given the caller any specific information you may safely conclude that you have not been scammed. If you have provided information to the caller, or if you require further information, you may visit the following webpage at the IRS to obtain further information. https://www.irs.gov/uac/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.  The IRS has also set up a telephone number for persons that wish to report being scammed. It is (800)366-4484. At this time, we have called the number and been advised that a significant wait may occur due to call volume. It is suggested that you don't call this number unless you have truly been scammed by providing personal information to the caller.