Full Notification

In recent weeks, scam artists, often times using aggressive tactics, have resurfaced and have made telephone calls to several Hermosa Beach residents.

There are several ways these thieves are targeting victim's. One of the most common scams is the IRS Impersonator. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.

Don't be fooled by these tactics. It's important to note that the IRS will never call demanding immediate payment, nor will they call about taxes owed without first sending a bill. Phone scams and email phishing schemes are among the "Dirty Dozen" tax scams which the IRS has highlighted on their website. For a recap of the Dirty Dozen scams, and to obtain information on protecting yourself against these crimes, please go to: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Completes-the-Dirty-Dozen-Tax-Scams-for-2015

To report an IRS-related scam attempt or fraud, please contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484, or the Hermosa Beach Police Department at 310-318-0360.

A message from the Hermosa Beach Police Department.  Your safety is our priority.