(KMJ) – The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to be warned of a sophisticated and ongoing phone scam. And it says people of all ages have been targeted throughout the County.
Victims are told they owe money to the IRS or they have a warrant that must be paid promptly through a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, the caller then threatens the victim with arrest. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.
This scam has hit nearly every area in the county. And Sheriff’s Deputies want to educate us all so you can protect yourselves. They say Law Enforcement Agencies do not and will not ask for credit card numbers over the phone, nor request a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office says it does not call citizens to solicit financial arrangements for warrants or other court-related fines. No member of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is authorized to receive such collections.
If you get a phone call from one of these phone scammers, here’s what Deputies say you should do:
– Say “No thank you” and hang up the telephone.
– Do not send them money.
– Do not give them your personal information.
– If you become a victim, contact law enforcement.
