Medford Sees Uptick In Holiday Phone Scams

MEDFORD, MA – The city is warning residents of an increase in reported telephone scams this holiday season. Residents have received calls from people posing as IRS agents demanding payment under threat of audit or arrest, according to city officials. The scammer will require payment through a Google Play Card or similar card and have the person on the other end read the number on the back.

This can result in scammers getting thousands of dollars, the city said. The IRS never places calls requesting money in this manner.

Other scams include a caller posing as a family member, possibly a grandson or granddaughter, saying they need money. A resident recently reported a scammer posing as someone from Microsoft requesting renewal of the resident's computer support by credit card.

The city warns residents to never send money based on a phone call or email. If you have any questions, please call the Medford Police Department at 781-395-1212.

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