Full Notification

NSPD Scam Alert is a program intended to educate the public on recent scams we have investigated or common fraudulent activity.

Recent Scams:

Scam 1: Area residents have received phone calls from aggressive callers claiming to be from the IRS. Suspects demand immediate payment for outstanding taxes or criminal prosecution will be sought.

Scam 2: Victim received a phone call from two men claiming to be from the IRS. Suspects offered to pick up the victim and transport her to the bank to get cash for unpaid taxes. The phone number the suspects called from returned out of California.

Scam 3: Victim filed taxes and was advised by IRS her taxes had already been filed this year. Victim was a customer of a company whom previously had a security breach. Victim will be contacting credit reporting companies, will be monitoring records, and filed report with the Federal Trade Commission.

TIPS TO PREVENT BECOMING A VICTIM

Note that the IRS will never: 1) call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill; 2) demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe; 3) require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card; 4) ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone; or 5) threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

Monitor your bank and credit card activity.

Check your credit report at least once a year. You can use Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to provide a free copy of your credit report every 12 months.

For more information go to: www.consumer.ftc.gov

Report all suspicious activity to your local police agency. Norton Shores Police Department can be reached at 231-733-2691 or 911 after business hours.