Oak Island police chief warns of IRS scam

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) – The Oak Island Chief of Police did some digging to get information on an IRS scam making its rounds.

Chief Greg Jordan says if you get a call from the “Investigations Department of the Internal Revenue Service,” do not call them back.

In an attempt to get investigative information, Chief Jordan says he did call the number, “They stated that they did have a warrant for my arrest and that it was on file with the IRS, the Supreme Court and the local authorities. I told them that was good to know (as I have never known the Supreme Court to file warrants). When I asked them what the address of the listed person on the warrant, they asked me why I needed to know that. I told them that official arrest warrants would have the address of the wanted person. They then promptly told me to shut up and they hung up on me. I called back and they had blocked my number.”

Chief Jordan says if there is a warrant out for someone, the warrant will have the name, address and other identifying information for the wanted person. If there are questions regarding warrants, call your local Police Department or Sheriff’s Office and they can verify the warrant status.

Oak Island police also urges you to not give out any personal information such as address, date of birth, social security number, etc. to anyone who calls you because it can be used to steal your identity. Police say this is just one of many phone scams that are going through our community. People have lost significant amounts of money to scammers that are pretending to be IRS agents, Donation Solicitors, grandchildren in trouble or through several other illegal means.

If anyone calls asking you to send money or wire transfers contact your local Police Department/Sheriff’s Office before sending any money. Law Enforcement can verify the legitimacy of the call.