Scammers Posing As IRS Agents Targeting Duluth Residents
It seems there is always some sort of scam moving across the Northland. The latest craze has scammers posing as IRS agents.
According to their Facebook page, the Duluth Police Department has received an "increased amount of messages about phone calls residents have received from scammers posing as IRS agents."
They also offered up some helpful tips to avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Remember that the IRS will never call you.
- Keep in mind that they will also not demand payment in any way, shape or form. This includes gift card payments.
- The IRS will not threaten to arrest you under any circumstance.
- Hang up if you get a call like this and don't engage.
- Avoid giving out any personal or financial information.
The police are also asking Duluth residents to spread the news so they can get the word out.
The Proctor Police Department has also seen a similar problem. Last month, they posted a similar warning on Facebook, saying, "Just a friendly reminder to keep on your toes for fraud. We're seeing a rise in fraud calls at the Police Department. In fact we're even getting fraud calls from scammers claiming to be the IRS on our main line and our officers department issued cell phones. We're PRETTY sure there isn't actually a warrant from the IRS for the department at least. In fact, the IRS WILL NOT call you."
Just a few weeks ago, Duluth Police issued a warning about a man emailing people for money for a funeral home. This is just one of many scams that have hit the area recently.
You can learn how to protect yourself here.