Beware IRS Scams Where Agents Demand Money: Cops

SALEM, NH - New Hampshire law enforcement officials, including members of the Salem NH Police Department, are warning residents about an increase in calls regarding IRS scams.

In Salem, according to Capt. Joel Dolan, the most recent incident occurred on June 6, 2016, where a woman reported losing $1,500.

“The victim told officers she received a call from a male claiming to be from the IRS and that she owed the agency money,” Dolan noted. “The caller directed the female to go to a local store and purchase 15 $100 Apple iTunes gift cards. The victim complied and then read each number to the male.”

After the man demanded an additional $4,000, the woman became concerned and called police.

“This is an ongoing scam and our dispatch center has been receiving approximately 10 calls per day from residents saying they were contacted by the IRS demanding money,” he stated. “The IRS will never call you seeking money and the local police departments will not be sent to your residence to arrest you for failing to comply.”

Dolan recommended that residents never release personal information or send money to any entity which you did not initiate the transaction. Callers perpetrating the scams are targeting vulnerable and easily confused people. He added that it would be wise for residents to keep an eye on loved ones to ensure they do not become victims of the scams.