Criminals Use I.R.S. To Scam People

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration reports 4,000 people nationwide have lost over $20 million because of a phone scam where people impersonate the Internal Revenue Service to scare poeple into giving money and personal information.

“Unless you’ve been contacted through the registered mail…and through a proceeding with the I.R.S., they’re not going to call you”, explained Mississippi Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, “…if you get an out of the blue call from the I.R.S., its not going to be true”.

Although these scams can happen to anyone nationwide, Mississippians must still be aware.

Monroe County Sheriff Cecil Cantrell said that someone in Monroe County recently lost $2,500 due to the same scam.

Cantrell also explained that law enforcement’s hands are tied when dealing with these calls because most of the criminals are from foreign countries.

“Anytime you even think about sending any money, please call the Sheriff’s office…”, said Cantrell, “…call me because I’m going to tell you not to do that”.

Cantrell also said that the scammers are primarily targeting senior citizens and college students.

The scammers can also alter caller ID to match the I.R.S. or another agency.

Presley says if you receive a call from someone claiming to be the I.R.S. demanding money to report the call to the I.R.S. at 1-800-829-1040 or contact the Treasury Inspector general at 1-800-366-4484.