Don't be a scam victim - the IRS is not calling you

By Sis Polin

A recent call I received a few days ago from 212 662 5932 caught me unawares. It was very early in the AM and I picked up the phone and a somewhat arrogant sounding voice said: “Are you Sydell?* I asked who he was and he said an investigator from the Internal Revenue Service”. I hung up immediately and jotted down his number. I had three more calls that day from that number.

I have been a volunteer of the AARP Fraud Fighter Center for eight years. Our goal has been to educate and prevent seniors (mostly) from becoming targets of scams -- and there are many con artists out there. They seem to flow with the political environment; Internal Revenue, Medicare Issues, Government check refunds and other types of Scams such as Jamaican Lottery, Grandchildren traveling and needing help; friends traveling and credit cards stolen, dating services etc. etc. The list is endless and hard as it is to believe, many people fall for this. The technology revolution has opened a door for this.

Why? Mostly they try to reach the most vulnerable population: SENIORS. They usually call late at night and are very good at engaging you in conversation. Before you know it, they gain your trust and you give out a credit card number or bank account no. and sometimes, if you do not comply, they get very threatening.

What should you do? 

• No. 1 – Hang up. There is no free lunch. They are trying to get something from you and I know of hundreds of cases where folks have given away all of their savings, lost their homes and lived in fear from threats.
• No. 2 - Make sure a family member is aware of these calls and seek help if you need it.
• No. 3 – Sign up for the Government “DO NOT CALL LIST” at 888 382 1222 for your land and cell phone. If you signed up a long time ago, sign up again. It will not restrict charity and political calls and in some cases, these scammers are getting around these restrictions too. Don’t be fooled; they also have access to regular area codes and even local area codes. They rarely use an 800 number to call.
• No. 4 - Sign up online at the AARP Fraud Watch Network. It is free for members and non members. 

The good news is that more agencies are becoming involved; Federal Trade Commission, Attorney General’s office, U. S. Postal Service, and the local news media. The bad news is the bad guys don’t give up. 

Stay safe. 

*Now you know, the real Sydell is: Sis Polin