The San Marcos Police Department is warning residents of a scam in which a caller demands immediate payment for an Internal Revenue Service bill. The con artist insists the resident will be arrested or deported if payment is not immediately made via a wire transfer or prepaid card. The caller ID may be altered to show the call coming from a police department or the IRS.
“The IRS does not call to demand immediate payments or contact you by phone without sending a letter first. They also don’t demand that you pay in a certain way, like through a prepaid card,” said Commander Kelly Earnest with the San Marcos Police Department. “If you have concerns or suspicions contact the IRS or the police department.”
The IRS has a consumer alert page with tax scam information at https://www.irs.gov/uac/IRS-Urges-Public-to-Stay-Alert-for-Scam-Phone-Calls. If you know you owe the IRS or think you may owe you can contact them directly at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you.
Here are a few more tips to avoid phone scams:
Don’t always trust caller ID. Some scammers use spoofing software, which enables a false name and phone number to show up on caller ID. Using this tactic, scammers are asking for customers to pay overdue bills.
Be cautious about giving out your credit card and debit card information. Some scammers will request that you call a special phone number because you’re overdue on your bill and need to pay immediately. Then, you’ll be asked to provide your credit or debit card number. Don’t give out your credit or debit card information in this situation. Instead, call the company directly for information.
Don’t wire money. Some scammers request that you wire money to avoid a disconnection, arrest or some other threat. You should never wire money to a person you don’t know. Instead, contact the IRS or other entity directly.