LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Sophisticated scammers claiming to be from the IRS are targeting innocent Southwest Florida residents. The LCSO fraud line has received almost 200 calls from concerned residents this week reporting suspicious phone calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS.
Con-artists are using fake names, fraudulent phone numbers and bogus badge information to convince taxpayers they owe money for unpaid taxes, and that if payment is not promptly made through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer, arrest is immanent. If the phone isn’t answered, a computer generated voice will leave an “urgent” message requesting a call back.
Estero resident Suzanne Mayes said she got one of these phony calls earlier this week. She said she noticed immediate red flags.
"I immediately noticed that it was a call from the state of Washington, which was unusual to me because I don't know anyone in Washington," Mayes said.
Mayes said she answered anyway and heard a recording from someone claiming to be from the IRS stating that she was being sued. Mayes said she hung up then called the number back. She said a young man with a thick accent answered and didn't seem to know what she was talking about.
Mayes worries these scammers are preying on the elderly or other hard-working families who may not be able to spot the scheme.
"It is a crime. The stress that is placed upon the family's who are affected by this type of scam is inexcusable," Mayes said.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages you to familiarize yourself with the deceitful tactics used in this scam, and to keep in mind that the IRS will never:
1. Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
3. Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
5. Threaten to bring local police or other law enforcement agencies to have you arrested for not paying.
If you owe Federal taxes, or think you might owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions.
To report a scam, call the Sheriff’s Office fraud line at 239-258-3292.
