A Scam Up Close and Personal

A phone scam hit close to home yesterday. I was the recipient of a robo-call that stated I am wanted by the Treasury Department for tax fraud!

The message warns that ignoring the notice will be considered an intentional attempt to avoid appearance before a magistrate judge or grand jury for a federal criminal offense.  In order to avoid arrest, I must call 954-507-1265 as soon as possible.

I reported the event to the Office of Inspector General at https://oig.hhs.gov/.  I received an e-mail reply stating such communications by phone or e-mail are definitely fraudulent.

Those who respond to the message will likely be asked for personal information and/or payment of a sum of money in the form of a wire transfer or even a gift card.  Legitimate government entities will never ask for payment in this manner.

OIG officials warn the public that phone numbers and e-mails can be spoofed to appear to be generated by a federal agency.  Beware of unsolicited initial contacts by these methods. Legitimate communications regarding tax matters usually occur by US Mail.