Full Notification

We are often asked about scams over the internet, telephone or mail and how to avoid falling victim to these cons. These scams are becoming increasingly popular; scammers are always coming up with new ways to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.

IRS Tax Scam

Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and are encouraged to make a payment with a credit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are often threatened with deportation, suspension of their driver’s license, or jail.

These scammers use fake names, IRS badge numbers, and caller ID “spoofing” to make it look like the IRS toll-free number on the caller ID, and other tactics to support their scam. After threatening victims with jail time or driver’s license suspension, scammers often hang up and others call back pretending to be from the local police department or DMV and by “spoofing” the number, the caller ID supports their claim.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, you can call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040 to speak to an IRS employee. For additional information or questions, you can contact the IRS at www.irs.gov.

Jailed Relative Scam

In this scam the victim is contacted by telephone and told their relative has been arrested in another country. The caller may identify themselves as the relative and then have someone else speak identifying themselves as a peace officer or attorney from out of the country. The scammer instructs the victim to wire transfer money to pay for bail.

If you are called under these circumstances, do not send money and contact the Police Department.

Lottery Scam

This scam usually starts with a phone call or by mail where the intended victim is told they have won a large lottery prize. The scammer will use manipulation to play on the victim emotions with statements like, “your kids are taken care of now” or “your dreams have come true.” The scammers may sound professional and knowledgeable enough to make the victim feel confident.

The victim is instructed to wire transfer money to the lottery agent for taxes before the winnings can be released. In reality, the victim never actually won the lottery. The callers will use tactics to con those who don’t remember playing the lottery or entering the sweepstakes. The scammer may say someone else entered the victims name in the drawing or the victim qualified by shopping at a specified business.

Utility Shut off Scam

The scammer calls public utility customers and claims to be a representative of the utility service provider. The scammer tells the victim their utility service will be suspended if payment is not made immediately. The scammer will demand payment, usually requesting a credit card number from the victim.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the utility service:

-Confirm you are speaking to a utility services representative. If you have concerns, tell the caller that you will contact the utility company directly using the company’s direct number to verify the caller’s identity and information.

-Never provide your credit card, debit card, social security, ATM, or bank account numbers to anyone who comes to your home, calls or send an email requesting that information.

The suspects in these cases most often live in other countries and once the money is wire transferred, it cannot be recovered.

“Our goal is to educate people to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. You should never provide personal information over the phone and if you are in doubt, contact us as a resource.”
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander

The FBI website has up to date information on scams and resources for safety. For additional information visit the FBI website at www.fbi.gov and click on the “Scams and Safety” link at the top of the page.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org