Flagler Beach, FL- Two active telephone scams are operating in Flagler Beach. Police Chief Matt Doughney wants people to be aware of and alert to this crime that targets you and your money.
The first scam involves a phone call from someone identifying themselves as an investigator from the IRS. The victim is told that based on an Internal Revenue Service investigation there is a large tax lien against them that could include criminal charges. The person is told the amount must be paid immediately through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.
The second phone scam is a call from someone representing themselves as a Florida Power & Light employee. The caller claims that a recent electric bill has not been paid and that the power will be shut off immediately if the bill is not paid. The victim will be told that the account must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.
Doughney says that if a customer is past due with F P & L, they will receive a delinquency notice before the power is shut off.
Doughney said trusting people are the victims of these scams. He said, "The callers in these types of cases are very persuasive. They’re manipulative and they prey on people for a living." He advises people to be skeptical when they receive a call asking for personal information or demanding payment.
When in doubt, be cautious, hang up, and contact local Law Enforcement for assistance. Additional information on IRS and FP&L scams can be found by clicking
here.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2016.
