Jan. 13, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Connolly 508 368-7236
or Paul Jarvey 508-368-7241
WORCESTER – Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. is warning citizens of a scam in which a caller says he is from the Internal Revenue Service and threatens unsuspecting victims with arrest if they don’t make an immediate payment.
Operators of this scam have been around for some time and have recently targeted Worcester County residents, including the elderly.
Mr. Early said it is easy for would-be thieves to use Facebook or other social media to find names to use in this scam.
This so-called “phishing scam” directs would-be victims to an official-looking but bogus web site or asks them to call a special telephone number where personal financial information is requested.
The IRS warns that it never initiates contact with taxpayers with a phone call to request personal or financial information.
“Don’t be fooled,” Mr. Early said. “This scam might seem legitimate to an unsuspecting victim, but it is not.”
Anyone who has concerns about requests for money or personal financial information is urged to call District Attorney’s office at 508 755-8601, their local police. Scams can also be reported to the IRS at 800 366-4484.