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New scams hit Prairie County

07/12/2018

New and innovated scam calls are being received from Prairie County residents. 

These calls are scaring some individuals as the scammers have started using the Prairie County Sheriff's Department phone number. Also another scam from fake IRS callers is being circulated. 

Both are telling residents they have a federal warrant or a certain type of warrant that needs to be paid immediately. 

"If we have a warrant for you we are going to come see you in person," Sheriff Hickman said. "We don't call on the phone saying you have to pay this."

Regular procedure is the sheriff's department will personally come to the  person if they have a warrant. 

Same with the IRS scam. They will send certified mail and/or contact a local department to serve the warrant in person.  

According to Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, a number of Arkansans have reported phone calls from purported Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents demanding the consumer pay back taxes immediately to avoid being arrested.

Remember that no government entity, including the IRS, will ask for your personal financial information through an unsolicited phone call or email.

The IRS will not:

  • Contact you regarding payment or taxes without having mailed a letter.
  • Demand payment without allowing opportunity for question or appeal.
  • Require a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
  • Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
  • Threaten to contact local police or other law enforcement to have you arrested.

What if I receive a bogus IRS call?