With tax season in full swing, the Denver Police Department is stepping up to remind locals of the perennial threat of IRS scams. In a recent social media post, the department highlighted the cunning tactics employed by fraudsters to swindle taxpayers out of their hard-earned money. The police's message, shared on their official Facebook page, conveys a simple yet powerful warning, stay vigilant. The post, accompanied by a video, alerts residents that scammers are particularly active during this time of the year, constantly devising new ways to deceive and take advantage.
Cognizant of the fact that IRS scams are nothing if not adaptable, the Denver Police Department's video serves as more than just a cautionary tale. It's intended to educate the public on the hallmarks of fraudulent communications which often purport to be from the IRS. In their message, police reminded taxpayers that the IRS will not call to demand immediate payment or ask for credit card numbers over the phone. According to the Denver Police Department, "IRS Scammers work year-round but since it's tax season, it's a good time to remind residents that this is just one way they will try to deceive innocent, unsuspecting victims."
The Denver Police Department urges individuals to be particularly cautious and to always verify any claims by contacting the IRS directly through their official channels. Scammers might aggressively threaten police arrest, deportation, license revocation, or other intimidating actions, but it's crucial to remember that the real IRS first contacts taxpayers by mail, not by phone, and certainly does not exhibit such aggressive behavior. The department's initiative is a proactive step towards preventing financial loss and stress among the community.
Residents and taxpayers are encouraged to report potential scam attempts to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), helping authorities to better track and hopefully curtail these fraudulent activities. It's integral to remember to never divulge personal information, like Social Security numbers or bank account details, over the phone to unsolicited callers. By sharing this video, the Denver Police Department hopes to spread awareness and empower citizens to rightly protect their finances and privacy.
