Beware of IRS Telephone Scam

The Bergenfield Police Department is warning residents to be aware of a recently reported IRS telephone scam.  Callers are claiming to be employees of the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), stating that back taxes are owed, and if not paid in full, they will be arrested. 

The callers request that the victim purchases either a Green Dot or prepaid card and then make a return telephone call to provide the security code on the back of the card, enabling the scammer to utilize the funds on the card. 

The scammers are also using an app (short for application, which refers to a software or computer program that can be used on a smart phone or computer tablet). This app will display the telephone number of the Bergenfield Police Department.  If you are unsure about the call, please call the police desk at 201-387-4000 and ask to speak to an officer in regards to the call.  The Bergenfield Police Department has no business calling you in regards to an IRS matter.

Here are some things you need to know about the IRS:

• The IRS will never call before mailing an official letter; 
• Will not demand you to pay prior to giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed; 
• will never require a specific payment method; 
• will not threaten to use the local police department against you.  

Click the links below for more information:
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Scam-Phone-Calls-Continue-IRS-Unveils-New-Video-to-Warn-Taxpayers

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Reiterates-Warning-of-Pervasive-Telephone-Scam

If you feel you are the victim of a scam, please see the below listed information:

 If you know you do not owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1.800.366.4484 or at www.tigta.gov.