HAVE YOU RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM SOMEONE DEMANDING PAYMENTS OVER THE PHONE?

THIS IS A SCAM

The Kennett Square Police Department is warning members of the public who have been told to send money to Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or any police service or other governmental agency, to check the information with the Kennett Square Police Department at 610-444-0501 before doing so. Scammers frequently request money via pre-paid credit cards, Apple or iTunes or Google Play cards, wire transfers, direct deposits into personal accounts, or cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, etc). The IRS and other legitimate agencies do not collect money via these methods. While these are a legitimate online currency, it can also be used by people to commit scams.

HOW CAN I TELL IF I’M BEING SCAMMED?

· The caller threatens arrest due to tax debt, an immigration problem, or pretends to be holding a family member in jail until money is sent.

· The caller tells you what to say at the money transfer locations when you are asked why you are sending the money.

· Real government agencies and lawyers will never ask for payment through Bitcoins, pre-paid credit cards, Apple or iTunes or Google Play cards, wire transfers, or direct deposits to personal accounts.

HELPFUL TIPS

· The display number may look like a local police agency, IRS number, or even the phone number of a loved one, but suspects use technology in order to hide their real phone number.

· Call a friend, family member, or the police and tell them about the call you just received. Police will not arrest you over tax balance or missing immigration forms.

· If you receive one of these calls, hang up. Do not give them any information and report this fraud to police.

· Please remember these transactions are irreversible and difficult to solve and prosecute.

Please take some time and ask yourself,

“Is this a scam?”