The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of phone scammers targeting residents in Maricopa County. Suspects are concentrating their efforts in retirement communities, taking advantage of the elderly.
These scammers claim to work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other law enforcement agencies. They tell residents they are behind on their taxes and/or have a warrant for their arrest. These scammers instruct residents to withdraw cash; purchase money orders or gift cards and provide them the card numbers. They are falsely identifying themselves as “Lieutenant Tom Jackson from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.”
Although news media outlets have publicized this scam many times, some residents remain vulnerable. None have become victims in this latest outbreak. To date in April, there have been approximately 14 reports to MCSO on this scam.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service are advising the public to know that MCSO and the I.R.S do not contact residents by phone requesting payment for a warrant or taxes and will not accept any type of gift cards as payment.
If you learn of any of this activity in your area, contact MCSO immediately at (602) 876-1011.