Police: If ‘FBI’ or ‘IRS’ calls, be skeptical

Members of the Solano County District Attorney’s Consumer and Environmental Crimes Unit have a message for county residents: If a caller claims to be a tax collector representing the Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation or California Franchise Tax Board, be skeptical.

Investigators said they have been receiving inquiries and complaints about callers who claim to be IRS tax collectors or agents from the FBI who say the person answering the phone owes back taxes.

In a typical call, the caller claims the individual may deal with the caller to avoid prosecution; otherwise they will face criminal charges.

But the calls are a scam, said Donald du Bain, Solano County district attorney.

“One of the consumers who received this call took proactive steps by asking to speak to a supervisor, and asking for more detail about the taxes owed,” he said. Eventually, he said, the caller hung up.

Federal and state agencies don’t initiate contact with taxpayers by telephone or email to ask for personal or financial information, du Bain said.

Benicia police Lt. Frank Hartig said the city’s department has received few calls about such fraud; however, other types of fraud associated with identity theft have been reported to the department.

Those getting such a call may report them toll free to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, 800-366-4484, and contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through its “FTC assistant,” www.FTC.gov, and put IRS Telephone Scam in the comments about the complaint, du Bain said.

They also may visit the IRS website, www.IRS.gov.

If a caller claims to be from the Franchise Tax Board, Benicia residents may report that call to the board toll free at 800-852-5711.

Residents also may report scam calls to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office Consumer and Environmental Crimes Unit, 707-784-6859, or visit the website www.solanocounty.com/depts/da/consumer_n_environmental_crimes_unit/default.asp.

Benicians may call the IRS at its toll-free number, 800-829-1040, should there be a legitimate question about payments or taxes due, du Bain said.