The Downey Police Department is warning the public to beware of phone scam artists who attempt to swindle money from unsuspecting resident
The Downey Police Department is warning the public to beware of phone scam artists who attempt to swindle money from unsuspecting residents. They will try to trick you into giving
them money and information. A local resident recently fell victim to such a scam.
On Thursday, September 17, 2015, at about 11:30 a.m., a 70-year-old man received a phone call from a suspect representing himself as an IRS agent. The suspect claimed the victim owed $30,000.00 in back taxes. The suspect instructed the victim to make deposits into two different bank accounts or he would be arrested. After making the deposits, the victim contacted the IRS and found that he had been scammed.
This is just one of many schemes that have been employed by conspiring criminals. Although the ruse is common, it continues to be a lucrative one. The suspects often target the elderly and take advantage of their trusting nature. Whatever the scam, the public can avoid falling victim by using caution when dealing with unknown subjects calling via the telephone.
TIPS:
Never give personal information to anyone over the phone such as bank account numbers, PIN numbers, or Social Security numbers.
The Downey Police Department or any Government Agency will never ask you to get a Money Order, gift card, or transfer money. If such requests are made over the phone, BEWARE.
If you are solicited by telephone, ask to be mailed information about the charity’s purpose, goals and finances before making any donations.
Hang up the telephone on aggressive or harassing solicitors.
Don’t give cash. Make checks out to the charitable organization, not the person asking for the donation. Never give your credit card number to a solicitor.
Be wary of a solicitation that includes an offer to send a courier to your house to immediately pick up your donation.
Press inquiries may be directed to Sgt. Leigh Lacy at (562) 904-2340 or Lieutenant Mark McDaniel at (562) 904-2370.
Address/Location
Downey Police Department
10911 Brookshire Ave
Downey, CA 90241
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 562-861-0771