Police Warn Residents About Phone Scams

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police are warning residents about phone scams that have recently been reported in the area.

In one scam the caller poses as an IRS agent and tells victims they owe money and will be audited or even arrested. The caller claims the victim must transfer money to a “Green Dot Money Pak” or another similar card, and then give the card number to the caller.

Police say the IRS doesn’t “place these types of calls requesting money in this manner.” The IRS will also never ask for a Social Security number over the phone.

In another phone scam the caller claims to be a family member, usually a grandson or nephew, in distress. The caller lies about being in an accident or foreign jail and tries to ask engage in a conversation that will get the victim to reveal personal details and family names. These tactics can confuse the victim and give the caller enough information to pretend to be a relative.

Police say victims should ask the caller to identify other family members, which will likely result in the caller hanging up the phone.

Police are urging would-be victims to never commit to sending money to anyone based on a phone call.

Victims have reported these scams to police this week and many have likely gone unreported. Anyone who has questions or wants to report a phone scam can call the Medford Police Department at 781-395-1212.