EL SEGUNDO — An alert has been issued by El Segundo PD regarding the latest phone scam. Sophisticated and threatening IRS demand-for-payment calls are being reported by citizens. The callers’ phone number has been showing up on caller ID as ESPD’s direct 24-hour line to the PD station.
El Segundo Police has released an actual IRS phone scam message, and encourages you to listen to it. This attempt to scam the receiver for money is not from the IRS.
Authorities advise that the IRS does not call to demand immediate payment by using a prepaid gift card, a prepaid debit card, or a wire transfer. The IRS will mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
There should be no threats to bring in the local police, immigration officers or other law enforcement, or demand without an opportunity to question or appeal any amount stated that you owe. You should be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.
El Segundo PD warns, ” The IRS also cannot revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.”
A targeted victim shared her experience: “I was being scammed, but the number that showed up was the police department. So I got pretty nervous about the phone call. My son took over the phone call and knew what questions to ask. The funny thing about it was, we had already received a refund.”
ESPD’s, response: “Glad to hear your son was there to take over the phone call. These scammers have the ability to pick whatever phone number they want to show up on your phone so you can’t always trust what you see. If you are ever in doubt of who is calling you, verify the information by calling the agency/company directly at their published/listed phone number.
A citizen reported, ” 209 297-2842 this number been calling.”
Another report stated. “When I told them that I knew they were a scam they started swearing at me!” The IRS does not engage in colorful or foul language.
If you ever feel like you are being scammed in person, on the phone, or online, please feel free to contact ESPD for assistance.
Text #elsegundopd #gundostrong #irsphonescam, call (310) 524-2200, or online http://www.elsegundo.org/depts/police.
