Phone Scams On the Rise

Scammers are coming up with new ways to take your money, and even your identity.

For some all is takes is just one simple phone call.

 

“They said they were from the IRS, and that this was a final contact and they were starting a lawsuit, because our taxes for the last three years was not correct, and that we still owed money, it was reported wrong, and that they were going to do a lawsuit if we didn’t pay.” Says Danny Foster.

 

He’s one of many people who got call after call, everyday, for the past month. Greenville Police say they’ve received 5 complaints about these kinds of calls in the past two weeks.

 

“They will contact you normally by phone, and immediately say that you owe them money, or that there were taxes that were not processed properly over the last year or two, and want a reimbursement for that and will try to direct you to go get a cashiers check or a money order and try to get it sent to them as soon as possible as well.” Said Greenville Police Investigator Justin Lovvorn.

 

Police say don’t be fooled. If you owe the IRS or The Department of Treasury, you won’t be called. Instead, they’ll mail a certified letter to you instructing you how to contact them.

 

The IRS scam is one of the most common. Police say there are also scams claiming you’ve won a car or other prizes. If you get any of these calls, don’t give anyone any personal information. Instead, call  police.