Crime & Safety
'Taxman Scam' Using Police Caller ID Strikes Montgomery County
The 'Taxman Scam' is spreading in Montco. Scammers claim to be with the IRS, and their call shows up on caller ID as the local police.
LANSDALE, PA — Authorities are warning residents of a new "Taxman scam" in which suspects are able to manipulate caller ID to show that the local police department is calling. The Lansdale Police Department released a statement on the issue Wednesday.
On June 26, residents reported receiving calls from a male with a "heavy Indian accent" who claimed to be an IRS agent, authorities said.
The suspect told the victim that he owed $4,000 in back taxes from previous filing years and provided a fake IRS case number.
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He then threatened that if the victim did not pay immediately, a "sheriff" from the Lansdale Police Department would arrive at the victim's home to arrest him.
The phone number the scammer called from showed up on caller ID as Lansdale Police.
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Authorities remind residents that the IRS will never call you by phone to collect money. If you are suspicious about a caller claiming to be with law enforcement or government agency, ask for their name and badge number and call the department on your own to confirm.
Patch file photo
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