McCracken Co. Sheriff's Dept. says possible 'phone scammers' impersonating IRS | News

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY (KFVS) - The McCracken County Sheriff's Department is warning the public of a possible phone scam.

On Feb. 1, the sheriff's department says a Paducah woman reported that she received a phone call from an individual in who was described as having a domestic accent. They say the caller left a message on the intended victim’s phone stating they were calling from the Internal Revenue Service. The caller stated they had discovered an additional refund she was owed. The recording further provided the intended victim a phone number to call and promised this additional money would be credited to her account as soon she verified her credentials and bank account information.

Upon calling the phone number (1 202 656-6282), the sheriff's department says an individual with what was described to be a Middle Eastern accent answered the phone claiming to be with the IRS. The individual requested the phone number in which the message was left on so they could process the information. Once the phone number was provided the individual asked if they wanted the refund check to be mailed to them or directly deposited into their account. Upon questioning the caller about more details the individual became rude and hung up.

According to officers, this is a scam in which no one should provide any information to these individuals. A call from the sheriff’s department was conducted to further investigate the claim. After the sheriff’s department number was provided to the individual as being the number that a message had been at, the detective was informed that a refund check was available and all he must do to receive it, was to send $250.00 via western union and he would receive an additional amount of $2397.19. The detective says he was also hung up on when specific information was requested about the transaction.

The sheriff's department says this is a scam that appears to be underway by individuals from a foreign country. It is being attempted during what could be a very vulnerable time for many people who are awaiting tax returns. The sheriff’s department is encouraging citizens to not respond to any such message or call. It is not a practice of the IRS to contact via phone and request personal information. According to the IRS office any such discussions would take place in person at their office.

Anyone that suspects criminal activity in way of scams should be reported to your local law enforcement agency.

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