Increase of "IRS" Scam in Wood County
Friday, October 5th, 2018 -- 9:00 AM
(WRN) -The Wood County Sheriff’s office is warning residents of a recent uptick in scam phone calls.Captain Quentin Ellis says the "IRS" scam seems to be popular ones.
"People are receiving calls being threatened with a warrant if they don't pay off an outstanding debt or credit card. This is not how the IRS operates. This is not how any government agency operates. People need to discontinue that call."
Another reminder that if you receive a questionable phone call you suspect is a scam, hang up.
"Don't argue with the people. Sometimes people become combative, very rude and even threatening during the phone conversation."
It's not just scam phone calls that consumers need to look out for; scammers are turning to text messaging or email.
"Don't click on any links to other websites through text message or email. More recently department staff have received email saying 'we have your passwords and you need to provide us with so much money in bitcoin or we will expose all of your information.'"
Again, Ellis says if you believe it’s a scam, just hang up.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.