Aggressive 'IRS' Scammers Threaten Tredyffrin Residents

Tredyffrin police are reporting that homeowners are receiving phone calls from subjects claiming to be from the IRS. The callers are threatening the victims with arrests if they do not pay their “back taxes” via reloadable gift/visa cards.

Business owners are reporting calls from someone claiming to be from PECO. The callers are threatening utility service shut off in 45 minutes if the victim does not purchase reloadable cards and give “PECO” the pin numbers from the cards, police said.

The Federal Trade Commission released the following information:

Every year, thousands of people lose money to telephone scams — from a few dollars to their life savings. Scammers will say anything to cheat people out of money. Some seem very friendly — calling you by your first name, making small talk, and asking about your family. They may claim to work for a company you trust, or they may send mail or place ads to convince you to call them.

If you get a call from someone you don’t know who is trying to sell you something you hadn’t planned to buy, say “No thanks,” police urge.

And, if they pressure you about giving up personal information — like your credit card or Social Security number — it’s likely a scam.

Hang up immediately and report it to the Federal Trade Commission.