Current Phone Scams in Mono County

Date:     April 7, 2015
Subject: Current Phone Scams

Beware of phone scams throughout Mono County.  During the past several weeks, the Mono County Sheriff's Office has received reports from residents of Benton, Chalfant, Crowley Lake and Paradise of recent phone scams. We want to make everyone aware of the current phone scams you may experience.

The current phone scams that Mono County residents are experiencing include callers representing themselves as IRS agents. It is tax time after all. These callers will tell you that you won't receive your refund until you pay a debt that you still owe from previous years returns. It's important to remember that the IRS will NOT call to demand immediate payment. The IRS will NOT call about any taxes owed without first mailing you any correspondence. The IRS will also never ask or demand payment via your credit cards over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, never give personal information and credit card information over the phone. If you question the validity of the phone call, contact the IRS directly.

The other phone scam currently filtering throughout Mono County are callers acting as representatives from a past credit card company stating you have past due amounts that need to be paid immediately or they will report you to the credit bureaus. These are on credit cards people have never had or have cancelled im the past. These callers know most people won't give information over the phone so they give you a number to hang up and call. it is a fake number with another identity thief on the other end trying to get your information. They will ask you to purchase, with your current credit card or debit card, a pre-paid card. This is the only way your debt can be paid. Please don't give any personal information or credit card information over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, and question the validity, contact your credit card company directly for any concerns. 

The Mono County Sheriff's Office wants you to be aware of these phone scam. Never give personal information and credit card information over the phone. You should monitor your credit reports and your credit card and bank statements on a regular basis! Keep your identity and information protected!

If you would like to report any suspicious phone scams or verify that you have been a victim of a phone scam, please contact us at (760) 932-7549. Thank you! - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer