IRS Scam Prompts Warning from Union City Police

UNION CITY, CA — A Union City resident recently avoided becoming a victim of fraud after they reported a suspicious call from someone claiming to be an agent with the Internal Revenue Service, police officials said. Police say the phone scammers often threaten victims with arrest or deportation if they fail to meet the demands and send payment through a prepaid debit card, wire transfer or by giving out bank account information.

Union City police investigators said they called the number used by the would-be scammer.

“We called the phone number but the scammers were not interested in speaking to the police and immediately disconnected the line,” police said in a statement “The IRS has been notified pertaining to the most recent Union City incident; thankfully the potential victim recognized this as a scam and did not pay the demand.”

Police said the IRS and other government agencies will never demand payment over the phone through a prepaid debit card. Police urge residents to avoid giving out any personal information over the phone.

“Do not give out any information and hang up immediately,” police said.

Report these types of calls by clicking here.

Photo via Shutterstock