A new twist on old scam: Resident reports phony call

It was the unusual message that made Don Boyer suspicious.

The Green River resident came home to find a recording on his answering machine that would have made many people think twice. The message was from a man claiming to represent the IRS, saying the organization planned to file a suit against Boyer over back taxes he allegedly owed. The message included a number for Boyer to call the man back at, something he never did.

“I knew it was a scam,” he said.

Boyer said he watched a news report broadcast on television about people receiving similar call and ultimately being asked to “pay” the back tax amount to avoid a costly lawsuit.

He said the phone number given in the message was for a number that registers within the U.S., but actually connects with a phone outside the country.

While Boyer may not have given the call any concern, Det. Luke Benson at the Green River Police Department said the tactic appears to be an update to an older ruse often used by criminals. Benson said the scam is similar to calls received by city residents claiming to be from local law enforcement.

Benson said that scam would work by tricking a person into believing a warrant was issued for their arrest, then telling the intended victim that the warrant can be cleared if they pay their fine over the phone.

Benson said the department hasn’t received calls about the IRS scam calls, but has responded to reports of residents who have attempted to file their taxes, but received notification that their social security number had already been used to file. Even if no monetary loss takes place, Benton said residents should contact the police department to give officers a better idea of what scams are being attempted in the area.