We have received some recent reports of a variation to the IRS Impersonator fraud that our department has been alerting the public to for some time now (see attached poster from Mayor Spano's Prepaid Card Phone Scam).  The new variation on this scam involves an "IRS" employee calling a potential victim and threatening "legal action" unless a payment is made.  The phone number used was (202) 684-6662.  A Google search of this number reveals that this is a phone number with a D.C area code that is used commonly by fraudsters.  The D.C. area code may give the impression to a victim that it is a legitimate call from a government employee.  Please do not speak to anyone calling from this number or send money to anyone using this number.  We remind the public that the IRS does not call home numbers asking for payments to be made for back taxes, etc.  They also do not accept payment in the form of prepaid cards.   

Another fraud that we have been alerted to involves a fraudster impersonating as a bank representative (Wells Fargo, for example) calling potential victims.  At times these fraudsters will have partial account information.  We suggest that anyone who is doubtful on the identity of a bank representative to call the phone number of their bank which appears on their monthly statement or the number on the back of their bank card. 

TIPS TO REMEMBER:

These fraudsters act with a sense of urgency that can be very believable.  We suggest to all of our residents to NOT take any action on any initial phone call when the caller's identity is in doubt.  Take down the caller's information and confirm through a family member, neighbor or a simple Google search before taking any action on the callers instructions. 

Call known numbers of banking institutions or government agencies.  These can be found on bills, the internet, or through your local government.  Our residents can call the Yonkers PD 24 hours a day at 914-377-7900.  Mayor Spano's helpline can assist at 914-377-HELP.

Alert your family, friends and neighbors to these frauds, particularly our elderly residents who are commonly targeted. 

The fraudsters will continue to attempt these calls.  They operate overseas many times and it is difficult for local law enforcement agencies to investigate these incidents.

Document any frauds that are committed by calling the police and making a report.  The intelligence information on these reports will be shared with federal authorities, who are currently investigating many of these frauds.   

Alert sent on 04/28/2015 at 4:32PM EDT

Mayor Spano's Prepaid Card Phone Scam.

To submit a tip via text message text YPDinactive and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Yonkers Police Dept, Yonkers Police - Business Alerts, Yonkers Police - 2nd Precinct, Yonkers Police - 1st Precinct, Yonkers Police - 3rd Precinct, and Yonkers Police - 4th Precinct

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