Full Notification

Tax Return Scams / "Grandchild" Phone Scams

The Blairstown Township Police Department would like to urge it's residents to be aware of several telephone scams that are common around this time of the year and of the ones that are frequent in our area.

The most common telephone scam this time of the year is an IRS phone call. The caller will state that they are representing the IRS and that you would be placed under arrest by the local, state, or federal authorities if a certain amount of money is not paid either through credit cards or Western Union types of payments. BTPD would like to assure it's residents that the IRS DOES NOT CONTACT PEOPLE VIA TELEPHONE. All correspondence from the IRS will always be through mail.

Another common telephone scam that have been circulating around our area is a "Grandparent Scam." This phone call consists of a caller pretending to be a grandchild, an officer, and or a lawyer who will clam he/she is in trouble with the law. The caller will state that he/she is in jail and that he needs bail money to be wired or transferred to him. Please do not be surprised if the caller knows your name and your actual grandchild's name. Some phone calls will go as far as putting another person on the phone and stating that they are either with a police department or a lawyer to try and convenience you for payment.

The last phone scam consists of a caller who will state that there is a warrant out for your arrest and that a payment must be submitted to avoid being arrested. Again, this is another situation where local, state, or federal authorities will not demand for any type of payment through the telephone. Please do not hesitate to contact BTPD if you have any concerns or questions.