‘Tis the season for scammers and thieves, beware of fake IRS calls

A Kenmore man fell victim to scammers last month after sending them $11,000.

A Kenmore man fell victim to scammers last month after sending them $11,000.

On Nov. 30, the man received a call from someone claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service, King County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Cindi West said. They said he owed $10,000 in back taxes which he had to pay immediately, and instructed the victim to buy 22 $500 Green Dot Visa cards.

The victim bought the cards, and read off the numbers, expiration dates and security codes over the phone, after which the scammers said he would receive a confirmation call the next day.

When the man did receive a call the next day, the scammers said the cards he supplied were expired and he needed to purchase another $11,000 worth.

The victim became suspicious and found the number listed as a known scammer online, after which he contacted police.

Other scams have been circulating the area recently, the Sheriff’s office said, including one where victims receive a call saying there is a warrant for their arrest for missing jury duty, and they must pay to cancel the warrant.

West said the scammers are pushy, and will threaten immediate arrest, but said to hang up and that law enforcement never makes calls with threats of arrest or to force payment.

West said if residents receive any calls asking for money, credit card or identifiable information, they should hang up immediately as the calls are scams, or to contact law enforcement directly.

King County Sheriff’s Office: 206-296-3311

Bothell Police Department: 425-486-1254

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office: 360-805-6770