The Black River Falls Police Department has been fielding numerous reports of citizens receiving scam phone calls. With tax season upon us, the IRS scam call will tell you that you need to give them money or a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Another popular one is that the Publisher’s Clearing House will send you your winnings only if you send them a small amount to cover their costs. Some criminals even try to pose as a family member who is in trouble that needs money! Most of these crooks will try to tell you to go to Walmart to buy a money gram or a gift card and to give them the information over the phone. DO NOT DO THIS! These scammers are even good at faking phone numbers so it may look like a local phone number that is calling you. Remember, if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Ignore and/or block these calls and please help educate the elderly about these types of scams. Unfortunately, they are often the hardest hit! We’ve included a link below to the US Dept. of Justice that includes a list of websites and phone numbers to report fraudulent activity.
https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud