IRS Phone Scam Hits South Brunswick Area

Just like Mary Lee the Great White Shark, the IRS phone scam is baaaaaaack in New Jersey.

The North Brunswick Police Department reported Thursday they have received multiple calls about the so-called “IRS scam,” police posted on their Facebook page.

Multiple residents in the township have received calls from a person who claims to be with the IRS, and tells the resident they are in trouble with the IRS, and are facing legal action.

The caller then asks for a sum of money to be sent or wired to them, in order to clear up this ”debt.”

It can be impossible to track who is calling, because the thieves often use software that shows the number listed on caller ID as the resident’s own phone number.

New Brunswick Police are reminding residents to not provide any personal information over the phone, and never wire money or use a MoneyGram to send money to someone you don’t know.

The police are also asking you to share this immediate warning with elderly neighbors and anyone else who is not Internet savvy — they are the victims these scammers target.

Remember, the IRS will never:

1. Call to demand immediate payment, nor will we call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
   
2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
   
3. Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
   
4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
   
5. Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.