They say taxes are one of life’s only certainties—but scammers trying to steal your money come in at a close third. If you’re a resident of Shrewsbury, beware: a new scam is making the rounds, and it’s targeting seniors with fake back-tax claims. Let’s break it down so you can stay one step ahead.
A new phone scam is hitting Shrewsbury, with fraudsters posing as representatives from the “Shrewsbury Consumer Science Department.” They claim the recipient owes back taxes and must call (833) 750-2345 to resolve the issue. The scam even goes the extra mile, making the caller ID appear as if it's from the official department and linking online searches to town hall. However, there is no such department in Shrewsbury, and these calls are nothing more than a trap to steal personal and financial information.
How It Works
- Scammers call from a spoofed number, making it appear legitimate on caller ID.
- They claim the recipient has outstanding tax payments and must act quickly.
- Victims are urged to call a specific number to “resolve” the issue.
- If they call back, scammers may request personal details, banking information, or even immediate payment to clear the so-called debt.
Who’s Targeted
This scam primarily preys on seniors, who are often more trusting of official-sounding calls and may be less familiar with modern scam tactics. However, anyone in Shrewsbury or beyond could potentially be a target.
Why You Should Care
Falling for this scam could mean losing sensitive personal information, money, or both. Scammers often use fear tactics, making victims feel they must act immediately to avoid legal trouble. Once they have your details, they can steal your identity, drain your bank account, or even attempt further scams down the line.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Calls: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the town’s official number directly.
- Never Share Personal Info: Legitimate agencies won’t call demanding sensitive details or payments over the phone.
- Look Up the Number: Conduct an independent search before calling back any unfamiliar number.
- Report Suspicious Calls: Alert the Shrewsbury Police Department if you receive one of these scam calls.
- Educate Others: Share this information with seniors and other vulnerable groups to prevent them from falling victim.
Quick Tips
Quick Tip #1: “Did you know? Government agencies will never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.”
Quick Tip #2: “Pro Tip: If a call pressures you to act immediately, it’s a red flag. Take your time and verify before responding.”
Key Words
- Caller ID Spoofing: A technique used by scammers to manipulate caller ID information, making it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source.
- Back Taxes: Unpaid taxes that are owed from previous years, which scammers often use as a scare tactic.
- Personal Information: Sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, banking details, and addresses that scammers attempt to steal.
- Phishing: A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.
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