Nutley Commissioner Steven Rogers is warning the public that criminals are continuing to use sophisticated phone scams targeting taxpayers, especially senior citizens.
“A number of Nutley senior citizens have reported to me that they received threatening and intimidating telephone calls from individuals claiming to be IRS agents,” said Rogers.
He explained that the fake IRS callers usually target seniors, telling them that they owe back taxes and if they don’t pay immediately via credit card or wire transfer, they will be arrested, lose their driver’s license, and suffer other financial sanctions.
“To anyone, but especially senior citizens, this a very frightening experience,” the commissioner said.
“Taxpayers need to know that the IRS never asks for credit card numbers over the phone, nor requests a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.”
The Nutley Department of Public Affairs/Consumer Affairs Bureau is asking residents to spread the word and help them educate all residents, especially the most vulnerable, senior citizens, about this scam.
* Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers. They generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves.
* Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security number.
* Scammers mimic the IRS toll-free number on caller ID to make it appear that it’s the IRS calling.
* Scammers sometimes send bogus IRS emails to victims to support their bogus calls.
* Victims hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site.
* After threatening victims with jail time or driver’s license revocation, scammers hang up and others soon call back pretending to be from the local police or DMV, and the caller ID supports their claim.
Residents who receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, should report the incident to the police, and call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Rogers said that it may be easier for residents who are victimized to report the incident first to the police, then the Department of Public Affairs, Consumer Affairs officer, who will assist them with phone calls, etc., to the IRS.
