Full Notification

The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department warns residents that we continue to receive complaints regarding different types of telephone scams. Regardless of the type, the caller (scammer) will attempt to steal your money and/or personal information. The most popular type of scam has been the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scam, however, residents have reported recent telephone calls in which the scammer reports that their family member is being held hostage or threaten to shoot a family member, stating they must wire money for their safety. Other scams have included jury duty, lottery, utility company, computer repair and scams reporting a loved one has been arrested or injured in an accident. Scams could also come in the form of an e-mail.

With the IRS scam, typically a scammer impersonating the IRS will claim that you owe back taxes or have a warrant for your arrest due to non-payment and they will threaten you with arrest, jail time or license suspension if you don’t provide payment immediately. The caller could also advise you that you are owed a refund while attempting to confirm your personal information. The legitimate IRS will not call regarding these issues rather they will send you written correspondence.

It is important to note that a scammer may use spoofing software that disguises the caller ID, and the display could appear authentic, such as a recognized telephone number or name. The scammer will often sound threatening and intimidating while instructing a victim to wire money or purchase a prepaid debit card and call back with the serial number. You should be aware that the scammer may already know some personal information about you or your family, but do not be tricked into believing the authenticity of the scammer. Additionally the scammer may call repeatedly, leaving “urgent” messages and become increasingly aggressive.

If a scammer calls you, do not engage the caller, rather hang up and do not return calls. Do not provide any personal or financial information. Do not wire money or provide prepaid debit card serial numbers or your own financial account information. If you receive a call and want to check the authenticity, call the company associated with the call or the family member that is claiming to be harmed, to confirm the facts. Residents residing in the Town of Poughkeepsie can report telephone scams by calling the police department at 845-485-3666.