Tax Scam Warning From Arlington Police

Press release from Arlington County Government :

September 2, 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department is warning the public about scam mailings that threaten individuals with seizure of their wages and Social Security benefits to satisfy alleged non-payment of taxes. Recipients are instructed to call a toll-free number by a set date or further enforcement action will be taken against them.

The mailings use a fraudulent government seal and are sent from the ‘Benefits Suspension Unit, Arlington County, Public Judgement Records’ and/or the ‘Tax Processing Unit, Internal Processing Service, Arlington County, Public Judgement Records.’ This office does not exist.

Example of Scam Mailing

Reporting Fraud to Police

If you have been a victim or target of a scam in Arlington County, report to police using the online crime report.

Additional Fraud Prevention Tips

Scammers may use various techniques to fool potential victims. Avoid becoming a victim by following these practices:

• Be suspicious of any unsolicited phone calls, emails, mailings or in-person solicitations which request funds or claim that you owe money.
• Never use a phone number provided to you from an individual making threats to verify their credibility. Use a verified phone number to contact a government agency if you’re concerned you might owe money.
• Avoid unusual payment methods. No government agency will instruct you to resolve your debt using a payment method such as Bitcoin, money wires, mailed cash or gift cards.
• Keep your information private. Don’t share your personal information with organizations you are unfamiliar with, don’t have ties to and did not initiate contact with.
• Take your time. If you are requested to act quickly or there is a stated emergency, it may be a scam. Scammers create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.
• If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

For additional fraud prevention information, visit the police website.

Categories: Police, Public Safety

This press release was produced by the Arlington County Government.The views expressed here are the author’s own.