New Canaan Police Chief Gets IRS Phone Call Scam: Report

NEW CANAAN, CT- Again a New Canaan resident has received a scam call from someone claiming to be with the IRS. This time it was New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski himself.

Krolikowski told the New Canaanite that he got a computer generated message and called back a number where a man demanded he pay $4,500.

"Today, a New Canaan resident received a call from a computer generated voice which stated the resident had past due taxes and would be prosecuted unless payment was made immediately," Krolikowski said in a statement. "The caller instructed the resident to call 202-800-5644. This number was called and the resident was asked personal information and told to pay $4,500."

Krolikowski said the department believes these types of fraudulent calls will increase and that the IRS will contact people about tax matters through the U.S. mail system.

Below are some police tips to avoid becoming a victim:

1. Never give personal information(dates of birth, social security numbers, home address, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, computer passwords, etc.) to unknown persons over the telephone or electronically.

2. Be suspicious of unsolicited telephone calls, voice messages and/or e-mails.

3. Not call these unsolicited callers back.

4. Always check information that is provided by the caller to ensure it is accurate and legitimate.

5. Avoid conversations with unknown callers.

6. Never wire or send money in response to an unknown caller who makes an unexpected demand.

7. Find more information at: consumer.ftc.gov/blog/fake-irs-collectors-are-calling

8. Contact our police department at 203-594-3500 for assistance.