OCPD reporting increase in area phone scams

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City Police officials say they have seen an increase in reported phone scams across the area in the last few weeks.

According to officials, the majority of the scams reported have involved a caller claiming to represent the IRS, demanding immediate payment for unpaid taxes and threatening arrest by local law enforcement if the victim does not comply.

Those reporting these incidents say the callers are very convincing, claiming they state specific details about the victim or use false IRS badge numbers and titles. Scammers also frequently alter the caller ID to make it appear as if the IRS is calling.

The IRS says there are five easy ways to determine whether or not a call is scam. If the caller demands immediate payment, does not give the victim the opportunity to question or appeal the amount that is owed, requires the victim to use a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card or gift card, asks for credit card information over the phone, or threatens to contact local police or other law enforcement to have the victim arrested for not paying, the call is likely a scam.

The IRS is also reminding citizens that the agency does not call to demand immediate payment and will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.

For more information on how to prevent becoming a victim of similar scams, click here.