West Virginia University students, faculty and staff are being targeted in a series of recent telephone scams, according to University Police.
In one scam, the caller claims to be with the Internal Revenue Service and is collecting back taxes. Those receiving the call are asked to wire $2,000 for “fines and penalties.”
People are also receiving calls from scammers posing as police, claiming they have failed to appear in court or answer a jury summons. The scammer then threatens the person or someone in their family with arrest if they don’t immediately send money.
“Scammers are adding believability to their crimes by making it appear that the calls are actually from a government agency,” said Capt. Phil Scott, assistant director of University Police. “The IRS nor the police collect fines or penalties over the phone. Anyone receiving such calls should report it right away.”
Anyone who receives such calls is urged to file a report with University Police by calling 304-293-COPS (304.293.2267).
Additional tips from University Police:
If you are contacted by someone who claims there is a warrant for your arrest or is claiming to collect a debt that you do not owe, you should:
• Ask the caller for name, company, street address and telephone number.
• Tell the caller that you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written “validation notice.” The notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor you owe and your rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
• Contact local law enforcement agencies if you feel you are in immediate danger.
• If you have already given out information about your bank accounts or credit cards, contact your bank(s) and credit companies.
• Contact the three major credit bureaus and request an alert be put on your file.
• If you have received a legitimate loan and want to verify that you do not have any outstanding obligation, contact the loan company directly.
• File a complaint at http://www.IC3.gov.
Information Technology Services also urges everyone to be suspicious about all unsolicited electronic communications seeking personal information, including such things as birthdates, Social Security numbers, and usernames and passwords. Personally identifiable information can be used to steal your identity and commit fraud. For tips on protecting yourself, spotting scams and setting up fraud alerts, please visit DefendYourData.wvu.edu.
-WVU-
js/07/29/15
CONTACT: University Relations/News
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