Scam Alert: Internal revenue scam

TYPE OF SCAM

Internal Revenue Service scam

HOW DOES THE SCAMMER MAKE CONTACT?

This scam is happening in the Corridor at a serious rate, as it is the time of year when residents are getting information together to pay taxes. The scammer calls and says that a sheriff is on his way to your home to arrest you for not paying back taxes. You are then told that you can avoid going to jail by paying your taxes with a prepaid credit card, such as a Green Dot card purchased at Hy-Vee or a drugstore like Walgreens.

What should you look out for?

The scammer will tell you to go to the store, purchase the card and then send it to an address that he or she will provide to you. No one pays taxes in this manner. If there is an error in your tax document, the IRS will send you a letter with ample time to contact an attorney or a tax accountant.

WHAT IS A GOOD RESPONSE?

Simply hang up. If the caller persists, ask for a phone number or address and tell him or her that you will check with the Better Business Bureau first. The IRS never contacts anyone in this manner.

l Once a month, The Gazette will run a feature on scams and how to avoid them with information supplied by the Better Business Bureau.