Town of Dover Police Department
For immediate release:
DOVER, MA – Since the expiration of income tax extension period on October 15, we have been receiving numerous reports from residents who have received calls from people claiming to be from the IRS. This is a frequent and well documented scam where the caller tries to get either cash, banking information, or personal identifiers with tactics ranging from threats to intimidation to coercion. The Caller ID information will even appear as though it is the IRS calling. As much as we publicize it, the fraudulent callers will still trick some into giving them the information they are seeking.
If you receive a call, there are several steps that we suggest:
- Hang Up immediately. The IRS makes notification of new cases by US Mail, not by telephone, and never requests immediate payment to be made over the phone.
- Block the number through your phone service provider
- If you owe Federal taxes, or think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions.
- Fill out the “IRS Impersonation scam” form on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s website, www.treasury.gov/tigta, or call TIGTA at 800-366-4484.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTC.gov. Add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments in your complaint.
Be alert for phone and e-mail scams that use the IRS name. The IRS will never request personal or financial information by e-mail, text, or any social media. You should forward scam e-mails to phishing@irs.gov. Do not open any attachments or click on any links in those e-mails.
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Media inquiries may be directed to DPD Media Services. Please do not contact the Emergency Communications Center directly on this matter.
