Ramapo Police Issues Warning For 'Very Active' Scam

RAMAPO, N.Y. -- Ramapo Police are warning residents that a "very active" scam where callers pretend to be either from the IRS or are a magistrate from the court is taking place across the area.

The Ramapo Police Department is warning residents that an active scam is taking place where callers are contacting residents and demanding payment for back taxes or other items.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

K Reakes

02/04/2016 1:04 p.m.

The callers, who are believed to be from overseas, are calling area residents and threatening them with legal action, and or jail time for failing to pay owed fines or back taxes. The callers then demand that the person forward payment to them immediately through the use of either a debit card, credit card or wireless transfer. These scam artists may even state that the Ramapo Police are going to come arrest them if they do not comply.

The Ramapo Police Department recommends that residents simply hang up on these callers and ignore any other phone calls from them.

The IRS and the FBI are aware of this scam which is being carried out worldwide. Residents should be aware that the IRS does not employ these tactics in order to collect back taxes. They will always mail a letter to your house first. Additionally, the Ramapo Police Department does not enforce monetary judgments. Whenever RPD contacts anyone about an outstanding warrant, the department simply request that they appear at the police station or in court. The department will never request that residents pay a fine over the phone.

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