Winthrop Marshal Rikki Schwab has asked us to alert valley residents that there are several tax scams going on.
Local residents have contacted my office in reference to being contacted by the IRS, Schwab said.
“When I called the IRS and looked on their website, there are several scams in which foreigners are requesting money, stating they are with the IRS,” according to Schwab. “When I called the scam number given, they had caller ID and knew my address. This helps them seem more believable. Individuals are giving them their bank information to pay the IRS for debts that they do not owe.”
To date over 1,100 people have paid out over $5 million.
“Please be cognizant, and contact the IRS for confirmation of any debt owed,” Schwab advised. “Do not give out your banking or credit information.”
Scam artists tend to attack the most vulnerable populations such as retired or elderly people.
