Law enforcement warns of IRS phone scam in Wicomico County

Authorities in Wicomico County are warning residents of a new phone scam, centered around the IRS.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office says on April 3rd, several victims receive a call from someone that is supposedly with the Internal Revenue Service, saying that there was an error on their federal income taxes, and they needed to make immediate payment. The callers reportedly say that if immediate payment is not made, the Sheriff of Wicomico County would be on the way to arrest them.

The Sheriff’s Office says the most alarming part of the calls, was that the scammers were able to alter the caller ID, to make it look like the call was in fact coming from their building. Sheriff Lewis says he wants to remind residents that the Sheriff’s Office wouldn’t be involved in unpaid taxes, and that the IRS doesn’t contact people via phone about delinquent taxes, only through written communication.

Authorities are asking residents to not make any payments over the phone to the Internal Revenue Service or any other agency that demands an immediate payment. Police also remind residents to never to share bank account, credit card account or any other personal information, including social security numbers, with anyone over the phone, unless you are absolutely positive who is on the other end of the phone.

Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of this, or a similar scam should contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891, or your local law enforcement.