By Mary O’KEEFE

Glendale police and L.A. sheriffs responded to a call on the morning of April 17 concerning shots fired in the 3200 block of Henrietta; however, when law enforcement arrived, they discovered the call had been made under false pretenses and not by the residents of the home. Nearby schools were temporarily on lock down, but that has since been cancelled.

The phone call was also linked to a phone call made earlier to the residents stating that they owed money to the IRS, which was also false.

In the recent past, CV Weekly readers have contacted the paper stating that they had received calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS and they owe money. If they don’t pay, the caller tells them that law enforcement including the FBI will respond. It is unclear whether the activity from this morning’s false call is related to this pattern.

Law enforcement advises anyone who receives a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS or any organization that claims that they owe money should look up the phone number of the organization independently and call that number directly.

The Chamber of Commerce in La Cañada sent a notice to community members warning of a caller claiming to be from a utilities company. The caller claims the victim has an unpaid bill and request payment via credit card.

Those who prey upon victims or residents for illegal financial gain are becoming more sophisticated, including using the Internet. Anyone who receives a call, has someone come to their door or sees someone in their neighborhood that seems suspicious should immediately call local law enforcement agencies: CV Sheriff’s number is (818) 248-3464; Glendale Police Dept. is (818) 548-4840 or 911.

  Mary Okeefe