Christopher Delmonte, Chief of Police
220 Pleasant St.
Bridgewater, MA 01930
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bridgewater Police Remind Residents to be Cautious with Private Information During Tax Season
BRIDGEWATER — As residents prepare to file their taxes this year, Chief Delmonte and the Bridgewater Police Department are reminding the community to be careful with their private and financial information and to never send money to someone you do not know.
These scams generally originate from someone you don’t know who asks for payment in ways that are nearly untraceable. Other reports of tax fraud consisted of residents having fraudulent information on their tax returns or fraudulent tax returns filed under their social security numbers.
Bridgewater Police urge residents to complete and file their taxes as soon as possible to give potential scammers less time and opportunity to submit a refund using their information.
In other instances, scammers have been known to call residents claiming to be from the IRS or another government body. The “agent” informs victims that they did not pay, or incorrectly filed their taxes and now owe money to the IRS, which must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If victims refuse to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, interest added to the payout, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license.
“Unfortunately, we have received several reports of scams of this nature, and any case where residents have sent money through a wire transfer or debit card, it is gone forever,” Chief Delmonte said. “Please contact the police department if you have any concern that you are a victim of this type of threat or similar threats, and never give out your personal information.”
Additionally, residents should never give out their social security numbers, dates of birth, or any other private or financial information to someone whose identity is in question. The IRS will always send taxpayers a written notification of any tax due via the U.S. mail and will never ask for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the phone.
If there is any doubt, call the IRS official hotline at 800-829-1040 or 800-829-4059 (TDD for the hearing impaired).
Residents who are concerned about their identity or personal security should call the Bridgewater Police Department at 508-697-6118.
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