IRS Scam Going Around in Ridgefield: Police

The Ridgefield Police Department is warning residents of an IRS scam.

Police have received numerous calls this week from residents regarding the scam. Scammers reportedly call taxpayers claiming to be IRS officials and demand that they pay a bogus tax bill. The scammers request that the bill be paid by a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.

According to police, scammers may threaten victims in order to get them to pay. So far, police have not received any reports about financial loss.

Police remind residents that the IRS will not:

• Call you to demand immediate payment.
• Call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.
• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.
• Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.
• Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• Threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.
• Contact you via email

Police also remind residents never to give out any personal or financial information over the phone. If you receive a scam call, residents are advised to hang up immediately and not call back if they receive a message asking them to do so.

Scams can be reported at www.tigta.gov (click on the IRS impersonation scam tab on the top right of the screen) or by calling 800-366-4484.

Residents may also contact the Ridgefield Police Department at 203-438-6531 for assistance.

Patch File Photo