Creepy Automated Voicemail Targets Residents In IRS Phone Scam

COOK COUNTY, IL -- Cook County residents are being targeted in a phone scam in which a creepy automated voice warns receivers that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. Receivers are instructed to call a number with a Chicago area code to resolve the issue. When people call the number, they are greeted by a fake IRS agent telling to pay their back taxes via prepaid debit cards, or the warrant will be passed on to law enforcement agencies.

The fake agent may give a bogus badge number or be able to recite the last four digits of the caller’s social security number. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart says the calls are phony and not to fall for it. If you believe the call is suspicious, hang up. Do not give out personal information, such as your social security number or bank account information, over the phone.

Legitimate IRS agents and law enforcement agencies do not ask that payments be made via pre-paid debit cards. In some cases, the phone numbers may appear to be from legitimate agencies due to phone number spoofing applications. If this is the case, call that agency to determine if there is a legitimate reason to contact you. Do not use the phone number the caller gives you. Dart asks anyone who believes they are a victim of this scam to call Cook County Sheriff’s Police at 708-865-4896.

Audio file of automated IRS phone scam message | Cook County Sheriff