Fake Utility Company Phone Scams On the Rise: Cops

FRANKFORT, IL — Frankfort police have seen a spike in phone scammers posing as utility operators recently. In these cases, callers have demanded residents pay an outstanding bill using a gift card as payment.

But utilities don't accept gift cards as a form of payment, police warn. If you suspect a scam, hang up and call the listed business phone number of the utility company, police said.

This isn't the only phone scam affecting south suburban residents. Tinley Park police has received numerous calls about scammers posing as the IRS, according to the village. The individuals making these calls have demanded money from residents, something the federal government doesn't do over the phone, officials said.

According to the IRS, summer is "a favorite period" for these scammers because taxpayers may have recently filed a return and are waiting for a response from the agency. In these cases, the callers might threaten residents with arrest or other legal action if a payment is made through a gift card or wire transfer, the government says. Scammers might be knowledgeable about their targets, and they can change their caller ID to make it appear as if it is an IRS number.

Taxpayers should know that the IRS doesn't do the following things:

• Call to demand immediate payment through a specific method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The agency usually contacts taxpayers through the mail about an outstanding tax debt.
• Demand payment without a chance for the taxpayer to question or appeal what is owed.
• Threaten someone with arrest if they don't pay.
• Ask for credit card numbers over the phone.

IRS-related phishing attempts and fraud should be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484. Taxpayers can go to the website for the IRS for questions involving how to report tax-related scams.

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