Fake IRS Phone Calls are Back

The Effingham Police Department has been receiving a high volume of calls from concerned residents who are reporting fake IRS phone calls.  The caller typically states that this is a final notice and a fee must be paid immediately or they threaten a lawsuit or jail.  Effingham Police urge all citizens to protect themselves from such scams as this by doing the following:

·        Never give out personal or identifying information such as Bank Account numbers, Address, Social Security Number, Credit/Debit/ATM Card numbers, Birthdate or any other personal information.

·        Use Strong Passwords

·        Be Caution About Links and Attachments

·        Protect Your Personal Information

·        Review Your Financial Statements Regularly

·        Order and Review Your Credit Report Yearly

Remember, the IRS won’t call out of the blue to ask for payment, won’t demand a specific form of payment, and won’t leave a message threatening to sue you if you don’t pay right away. Have you gotten a bogus IRS call like this? If you did, report the call to the FTC (www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov) and to TIGTA (www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml) – include the phone number it came from, along with any details you have.