'IRS' Scam Hits Milford: Couple, Elderly Receive Threats

MILFORD, MA—We've heard of this scam before, but it very recently hit close to home in Milford.

A couple in Milford reported suspicious activity this week after they received as threatening telephone calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS demanding they pay back owed taxes to the IRS, said police. The caller also threatened residents that they would be arrested by police for not paying their taxes.

One elderly resident also recently went to a local CVS and was purchasing google cards to compile with a scammer's demands in order to pay back taxes. Thankfully, the clerks at the store informed her it was a scam and told her to report it to the police, which she did.

The IRS has warned consumers in the past of various scams. However, scammers keep changing their tactics. Telephone numbers can be spoofed, said police, which means there is technology available out there where scammers can call from certain locations like overseas to make it appear as though the call came from somewhere else. In the above telephone number, it appeared as though the call was from a landline in Washington, D.C., when it most likely was not and possibly outside the U.S. The IRS will never call, text, email or threaten arrest anyone for failing to pay back taxes, remind Milford police.

If you receive any type of telephone call from anyone who asks for personal identification such as bank information, don’t give it out. Consult a close family member, friend or your local law enforcement if you are suspicious or if someone is threatening you. Also, if you believe you may owe the IRS back taxes then call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.