Chamber warns of ‘IRS’ phone scam
PRESQUE ISLE — The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce recently issued a warning about an ongoing phone scam, with callers purportedly from the IRS, targeting mostly the senior population. In response, Sen. Susan Collins issued renewed tips to avoid becoming a victim.
According to Lyn Frederick, CACC executive assistant, the number comes up as (509) 878-3591. The callers are reportedly aggressive as they try to get information from victims. The chamber contacted Sen. Susan Collins’ office about the problem.
Frederick indicated the senator has set up a Senate Aging Committee fraud hotline to report complaints, and will take information and forward it on to the appropriate agency for action. The number is 1 (855) 303-9470.
According to Collins’ staff, these scam calls can have a disguised Caller ID to make it seem like the call is coming from either the 202 (Washington, D.C.) or 509 (Washington state) area code.
Collins said the IRS will never demand immediate payment, call about taxes without first having mailed a bill, ask for a credit or debit card number over the phone, or threaten to send law enforcement to have the taxpayer arrested.
She urged anyone receiving any of these calls to simply hang up. Complaints can be made to the hotline or to the FTC at ftccomplaintassistant.gov or 1 (877) 382-4357.
