PALMDALE – Palmdale Sheriff’s detectives are warning the public of a tax scam targeting residents in the Antelope Valley.
Scammers approach homes and identify themselves as employees of a government agency, then tell homeowners they have outstanding tax debts, according to an advisory from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.
Homeowners are told that if they pay cash on the spot or furnish iTunes or “Green Dot” cards, they will be exempt from any penalties and will not be arrested.
“We ask the public to use extreme caution when anyone approaches your door, especially if they demand money. There is no government agency that will demand cash at your door nor ask for or accept gift cards in lieu of payment,” the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station advisory states.
If approached by these scammers, homeowners are advised to shut the door and contact the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at 661-272-2400 or the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station 661-948-8466.
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Karen says
My mother got the call it sounded like a foreigner very pushy. Also I got a call from a person who said I won the publishers clearing house lol…. Anyone calling asking for money is usually a scam hang up and input their number in Google search you’ll find complaints. Stupid criminals pisses me off. It’s hard to catch them too because of their technology.
james says
I don’t answer my door unless I know you.
Soccer mom says
Remember if you do owe the IRS monies they will never call. They will always send a letter with information for you to contact them.
Knowledge is Power.
Steve Pritchett says
The callers is a different scam then the idiots who come to your door. Almost as bad as the Geek Squad scammers!
Karen says
They called me too saying I owe 15,000 dollars and if u do t pay I’m going to jail I laugh because every year I do my taxes with HNR
Just Saying says
Got this call today from a number in Tennessee, Left a IRS threat recording.
http://www.numberinvestigator.com/ Reported an invalid-number, likely spoofed.
http://www.whitepages.com/ Has this flagged as an IRS Scan and reports current contact number on owner, to be located in Dallas, Tx.
Dee Esco says
They also call me saying I have a warrant for my arrest that I owe them money from 2011 tax.
Dee Amador says
omg same here,I got a voicemail and it says they have a warrant for my arrest and that I will be prosecuted..I was like what the hell was that, now that I know ,keepn my eye out.
angie says
Same here
john says
oh that sucks lol
Mary Allen says
I called them back and informed them how the real IRS handles business. I reminded him that the IRS will not call you for that, they always send a certified letter to you. It made me so mad that they are fooling many people.
hcf says
Only idiots would fall for this then call the Sheriff’s station to ask if it is a scam.
Leigh Leigh says
That’s hilarious.
Shane Falco says
Green Dot cards are the currency of inmates. Not hard to figure out the IQ of those sitting around all day coming up with a scam.
Maybe we can force contractors to hire these guys on county bid jobs.
les says
And punish the poor contractor, why?
You also realize that the contractor would have to pay prevailing wage, which is probably $30+ per hour, on a govt. job. Do you really want to see these guys making that kind of money over a law abiding citizen?
Shane Falco says
https://www.theavtimes.com/2016/09/06/supervisors-approve-local-worker-policy/
It’s going to be law. Contractors will have to hire “local” as well as residents facing particular hardships, including single parenthood, the lack of a high school diploma, long-term unemployment, homelessness or a criminal history, as well as those living below the federal poverty line or receiving government benefits.
Tim Scott says
LOL…when the IRS calls asking for payment in iTunes be wary.
Rachel says
They call and do this also I’ve had them try this twice in the last couple of months.