Morrisey’s Consumer Protection Division has received several calls in the last month. Like other impostor scams, these consumers report receiving calls that demand payment for unpaid taxes and threaten arrest unless the consumer pays immediately.
Morrisey
The impostor often demands the consumer pay with reloadable debit and gift cards, such as those from Green Dot, MoneyPak and iTunes. Those falling victim purchase the card, load it with money (if necessary) and call the impostor to provide the necessary information to access the money.
“With modern day technology, it’s very easy for people to pretend to be someone they’re not,” Morrisey said in a press release. “That’s why it is so important for consumers to know for sure who they’re talking and sharing information with.”
Scammers also have manipulated Caller ID to make it appear the calls are coming from the government agency they are impersonating.
Morrisey advises consumers to follow these tips to safeguard personal information:
* Never give the caller any personal information.
* Get as much detail as you can if the caller demands payment.
* Don’t feel pressured by threats. Stay calm then notify the proper authorities.
Those who think they might have been the victim of this impostor scam are asked to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-368-8808.
