Sheriff: Scammers Getting More Aggressive in Manatee

Tax time might be over, but it’s still the season for IRS scams.

That’s the gist of a warning issued today by Manatee County Sheriff W. Brad Steube. It seems the latest in a long line of reported IRS scams around the Tampa Bay area took place in Manatee Thursday. This time, however, the caller trying to part a victim from money was more persistent in attempts to dupe the person on the other end of the line.

The victim told deputies a message was left saying $5,000 was owed to the IRS.

“The person said if they didn’t pay the money, they would be arrested,” an email from the sheriff to media stated. “A follow-up call came in a few minutes later saying it was the Manatee Sheriff’s Office and a deputy was on the way to make an arrest.”

A third call was placed to the victim a short time later. This time, the caller said he was with the IRS again, and told the victim the deputy would not make an arrest if the money was paid.

The would-be victim, however, was smarter than the scammer, the sheriff noted. Rather than fall prey, the actual sheriff’s office was notified of the incident.

“The IRS does not operate in this manner and will not contact people over the phone,” Steube’s email stated. “If you experience this type of phone call, consider it a scam and report it to law enforcement.”

Image via Shutterstock

See Also:

• Deputies: Beware of ‘Gypsy and Traveler’ Scams
• Scammers Target St. Petersburg Police Chief
• Game Ends for Prison Escapee 56 Years Later
• Watch: Armed Robber Smacks into Closed Elevator Doors

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