TLS has been notified that Lakewood residents have recently been receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to be the IRS.
One resident told TLS he received a call from the con artist who warned him that he would face serious trouble if he didn’t give over his personal information.
Several months ago, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs warned consumers about a similar scam in which New Jerseyans received phone calls from con artists claiming to be representatives of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
In that scam, the con artists threaten the consumers that they will face incarceration or other penalties unless they make an immediate payment for back taxes.
This phone scam may be a form of phishing, in which identity thieves attempt to obtain the victim’s personal information such as Social Security Numbers, credit card or bank account numbers, or other sensitive data. The scammers also may direct victims to send money through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.
Consumer Advice:
· Consumers who receive such a phone call should simply hang up. Do not provide any personal information or make any payment to the callers.
· File a complaint about the call with your local police department. Then report the incident to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484, and to the Federal Trade Commission through its “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov.
· If you actually owe unpaid taxes to the IRS, or think you may owe unpaid taxes, you can call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. IRS employees at that line can help with a payment issue – and help determine whether there truly is an issue.
· Learn more about how to prevent identity theft at the Division of Consumer Affairs’ Cyber Safe NJ website, www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/cybersafe.
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200. [TLS]
just got the call its a very bad recording guy says his name is john smith, he has an strong accent which makes the call sound even more like a scam number call came in as is 206-687-9319 Seattle WA
people be careful
A little seichel usually goes a long way with these things… Thank you to the Lakewood scoop for helping us not get scammed and for protecting ממון ישראל!
I am a Lakewood resident and yesterday afternoon I received a phone call and the person on the line claimed to be a Microsoft Tech calling to help me with my computer. After asking the “Tech” a few questions of what he wanted to help me with I realized it was a scam and I started to scream at the guy that he should never call me back again. The person on the other end of the phone who had some sort of Indian accent started screaming and cursing at me until I hung up.
I just wanted to let the people know of this scam as well so no one should fall for it and give out any info or let the “Tech” have access to your computer.
My wife received this call last week from a guy claiming to be from the IRS and he tells her that they’re coming in one hour to arrest her for taxes owed.
I googled the number is seems this is a common scam which the IRS is aware and provided ways on how to identify between real and scam.
Never, ever give anyone who calls you any personal information. Never, ever give anyone who calls you money. If they claim to be from a government agency, ask for a written bill or confirmation. Do not give them your address. If they tell you you’ve won something and you never entered the contest, it’s a scam. If it’s valid, they will know your address. Do not be gullible or greedy.
Also received scam call. heavy accent; unclear.