Behind the Badge Newsletter

New Twist on IRS Scam
Investigators were tipped off to a new twist to the IRS Scam. It appears that the fraudsters are spoofing the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency phone number. Please note that the Sheriff's Office will never call citizens regarding taxes. We ask that if this happens that citizens hang up and call JCSO at 303-271-0211.

Traditional IRS Scam
Callers claiming to be from the IRS tell intended victims they owe taxes and must pay using a pre-paid debit card, money order or a wire transfer. The scammers threaten those who refuse to pay with being charged for a criminal violation, a grand jury indictment, immediate arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver's license.

Here is what you need to know. The IRS generally first contacts people by mail - not by phone - about unpaid taxes and the IRS will not ask for payment using a prepaid debit card, a money order or wire a transfer. The IRS also will not ask for a credit card number over the phone. The callers who commit this fraud often:

• Utilize an automated robocall machine
• Use common names and fake IRS badge numbers
• May know the last four digits of the victim's Social Security Number
• Make caller identification information appear as if the IRS is calling
• Aggressively demand immediate payment to avoid being criminally charged or arrested
• Claim that hanging up the telephone will cause the immediate issuance of an arrest warrant for unpaid taxes
• Send bogus IRS emails to support their scam
• Call a second or third time claiming to be the police or department of motor vehicles, and the caller identification again supports their claim

If you get a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS asking for a payment, here's what to do:

• If you owe Federal taxes, or think you might owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions.
• If you do not owe taxes, fill out the "IRS Impersonation scam" form found on their website, or call 800-366-4484.
• You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Add "IRS Telephone Scam" to the comments in your complaint.

The Sheriff's Office encourages taxpayers to be alert to phone and email scams that use the IRS name. The IRS will never request personal or financial information by email, text, or any social media. You should forward scam emails to the federal phishing email. Do not open any attachments or click on any links in those emails.

Please Call Dispatch for assistance
303-271-0211