The first scam is a reoccurring scam where residents have reported receiving telephone calls from a person from the IRS.  The IRS representative informs them that they owe for back taxes and must pay immediately otherwise a warrant will be issued for their arrest.  In some cases, the IRS representative will say the Sheriff will be at their residence today to arrest them.  The IRS representative strongly urges the person to pay via a credit card or to stay on the phone with them as they drive to the bank to obtain a money order or a cashier’s check.  Often these false IRS representatives have strong Indian accents.  The IRS and the Sheriff’s Office do not conduct business in this manner.

The second scam is also another reoccurring scam where people have received emails about being a secret shopper.  Advising money will be sent to them in a cashier’s check for re-imbursement. The victim is told to keep $200 dollars for themselves and their first assignment is to Wal-Mart and purchase two moneygrams. The victim is further advised to mail the moneygrams to two different addresses.

The third scam is received via email which starts out very secretive, where the person sending you this email knows that someone is going to assassinate you and make it look like an accident.

This person clearly says they don’t know you and they don’t know the people who will be threatening your life, but they have a video of the recorded conversation to kill you.  This person is asking for money before they can disclose the entire plan to save your life and send you the video.

The Sheriff’s Office recommends hanging up on scammers that call and delete scam emails. Often, scammers will continue to entice the unsuspecting victim when they get a response via email or by staying on the telephone with them.

These incidents are believed to be attempted scams and the Sheriff’s Office would like to caution residents.  Always be cautious when it comes to sending money, providing personal information including credit card numbers.  If you suspect fraud, contact your local law enforcement office.