Phone scam hits California area

The California Police Department took a report of a phone scam on April 8. Residents are urged to use common sense when dealing with anyone by phone.

“Do not give any information to anyone that calls,” said Police Chief Mike Ward. “Do not send money to people that call and make threats against your property or your freedom.

“We want to let the residents of California know that we do take each call seriously. We also ask that if you receive a call of this nature, please keep us in the loop by contacting the California Police Department at 573-796-2818.”

One of the individuals contacted by a perpetrator of this scam reported that the caller called both the cellphone number and the house phone number. The caller identified himself as being an IRS “officer” and said a warrant had been issued and the recipient of the call would be arrested unless several thousand dollars was paid via a gift card purchase. The “officer” claimed to know the person’s Social Security number, residence, children’s names and more.

The victim was told not to hang up either phone and not to inform anyone of the call before paying. This victim did as told and provided an initial “down payment.” The police were then called. Not one to cut his losses, the “IRS officer” called back later and demanded the rest of the money. In this instance, no more money was forthcoming.

The California Police Department has posted on its Facebook page information reported by CNN on March 14, 2015. The scam has been going on for years.

Among other information, the article reported that the scam callers are convincing, with a Washington, D.C., phone number. They can give about every cent of the victim’s financial history, then say the person is under investigation, in danger of losing their home, freedom or even custody of their children unless thousands of dollars are paid immediately.

It is a scam, so don’t take it seriously. Federal authorities say it’s the largest IRS impersonation scam they’ve ever seen, taking victims for more than $15 million since 2013.