The Glendale Police Department would like to warn residents about a phone scam that has victimized many in our community and surrounding areas. Residents and business owners have received phone calls from individuals identifying themselves as law enforcement, federal agents or city employees informing them they need to purchase a “MoneyPak”, “Reloadit,” or other legitimate prepaid card with a specific amount and forward them the information to avoid being arrested.

The callers claim one of the following:

-The resident owes the IRS tax money and if not paid, an arrest warrant will be issued.

– The resident has not paid their utility bill and if payment is not made, their utilities will be shut off immediately.

– The resident did not report to Jury Duty and an arrest warrant is being issued unless the fine is paid.

– The resident has a family member who has been arrested and if bail is not paid by phone, the family member will be jailed for a longer period of time.

– The resident has won a large sum of money through a sweepstake or lottery, and “government fees” or “taxes” are required to claim the winnings.

The victims are pressured by the fear of being arrested or having their power shut off. As a result, the victims have purchased the pre-paid cards valued in the thousands of dollars. After purchasing the cards from a local store, the victims then provide the serial numbers on the back of the cards to the caller, completing the transaction and the theft.

Law Enforcement agencies, the IRS and utility companies do not collect money through prepaid cards. In the event someone were to call your home or business and state they are from a law enforcement or governmental agency requesting a payment, ask for their name, serial number, phone number and the name of their supervisor. In many of the calls reported to the police, the callers are rude and speak in a threatening manner. Simply hang up the phone and contact your utility department, IRS or local law enforcement agency they claim to represent. Do not call the number they provide.

The Glendale Police Department is encouraging the public to be aware of these scams and if you have been a victim of such a scam and have suffered a loss, report it to your local law enforcement agency.

The following links are available to protect yourself from being a victim of Fraud:

https://www.moneypak.com/Home.aspx

https://www.moneypak.com/ProtectYourMoney.aspx

http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml

http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/press/press_tigta-2014-03.htm