IRS, jury duty scam calls reported in Hampton

By: 
Greg Forbes

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The advent of tax season has brought an influx of scam calls to the area, officials say.
Hampton Police Department Cpt. Mark Morrison said the department has fielded several reports of threatening calls in the name of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Calls demand immediate payment for unpaid taxes and failure to comply will result in arrest. Morrison said a caller requires the potential victim to pay via a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Amounts usually amount to several hundred dollars. Morrison said anyone receiving these calls will notice immediate red flags that signal a scam.
"The IRS will typically mail notices at first, they will not call," Morrison said. "You will know if you have unpaid taxes to begin with.
"If you get a call, especially if you know you don't owe taxes, hang up the phone, look up the IRS number and call them to speak to a rep," he added.
Morrison said another caution with the calls is the tone that the caller will take if questioned.
Read the full story in the January 31 edition. 

Hampton Chronicle

9 Second Street NW
Hampton, IA 50441
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