HPD Warns Residents of IRS Phone Scam

The Hawai’i Police Department is notifying residents of phone scams made by individuals claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service.

In these calls, HPD says that a person claiming to be an employee of the IRS asks for a payment to be made, threatening fines of over $1,000 if a potential victim decides not to pay. Any payment is usually requested via a money order.

The IRS recommends anyone receiving a similar call to verify the authenticity of the person on the other side of the phone by asking for their name, badge number, and call back number. Individuals can call 1-800-366-4484 to determine if the caller is indeed an IRS employee.

To report a scam call, e-mail the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.