Milton Police Warn Of Gift Card Scam

MILTON, MA — Milton police are warning residents about a scam where someone claiming to be from the IRS, utility company or computer company solicits payment via gift card. Police said they have received several reports over the past few months of residents falling victim to the scam.

This scam involves someone contacting a potential victim and informing them that they owe back taxes and are subject to arrest, that their electricity is about to be shut off due to a past due amount, or that they have a computer virus. The victim is then directed to purchase gift cards to pay off the debt and told to repeat the gift card numbers to the scammer.

The scammer then drains the value of the cards, and often directs the victim to purchase additional cards for the same purpose. Milton police said the scammers are highly training and very convincing, but that no reputable company or government agency — including the IRS — will ever demand payment via gift card.