Sheriff's Warning: Uptick In 'IRS' And 'Jury Duty' Scams

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MA—Hang up and report it. If it sounds crazy, it likely is.

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian on Monday reminded residents to be aware of ongoing IRS and jury duty scams.

“We are issuing this reminder because we have seen an uptick in calls being reported to our office over the past several days," said Koutoujian. "We want residents to be aware of these scams in order to better protect themselves. Recently, both my mother and I personally received IRS scam calls and though we each recognized they were not legitimate and immediately hung up – not all do because many of these perpetrators can be extremely convincing.”

In addition to the IRS scam calls, the MSO has received calls from local residents who say they have been contacted and threatened with a warrant for their arrest for failing to perform jury duty. The callers tell the victims they can avoid arrest if they immediately pay a fine or fee. In one case a resident reported losing approximately $1,000 to the scammers.

In all of the cases, the perpetrators – either via automated message or live human being – have threatened arrest. In some, they have indicated individuals are being monitored in some form or fashion (IRS scam call voicemail).

“At no time will a legitimate IRS agent or law enforcement official ever demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone,” said Koutoujian in the statement. “These are telltale signs of a scam and we want residents to be alert to them so they can properly protect themselves.”

Anyone who may have received similar calls is encouraged to report them to their local police department and the MSO Digital Forensics Unit at 978-932-3292. Individuals with questions regarding jury duty can contact the Office of Jury Commissioner at 800-843-5879.

Individuals or businesses receiving IRS scam calls may also report them to Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) through its IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting web page. All financial losses should also be immediately reported to your local police department.

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