PARSIPPANY — A female victim came to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department to report she was the victim of a IRS scam, at 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26. The female victim stated she was contacted by an IRS employee on her phone and was advised she owed $7,000 in taxes and needed to pay them immediately or be arrested. The victim went to a Western Union location in Parsippany and wired approximately $3,000.00, the maximum allowable limit per transfer, to “Martin Douglas.” The victim advised Patrol Officer J. Hughes she attempted to cancel the wire transfer after she became suspicious of the phone call and wire transfer. Unfortunately, the wire transfers were already completed and the victim lost her money.
Parsippany Police Officer E. Elston was investigating a report of a possible missing person when the victim contacted her daughter, who was at Parsippany Police Headquarters, and advised her she was home on Monday, January 21 at 9:21 p.m.
Prior to responding to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters to report the victim missing, the daughter was unable to reach her mother at work, received vague texts from her mother, and a male named “Brian” called her and advised her that he knew were the victim was, but would not divulge where.
Officers responded to the victim’s residence at which time she advised the Officers that she was on the phone continuously since 11:00 a.m. with the IRS who told her she owed $17,500. in back taxes.
She further advised that she was threatened with arrest if she did not immediately pay or hung up the phone. The Officers advised the victim that this was a phone scam and not the IRS calling to collect back taxes.
Upon further investigation the caller, “Melvin Harris”, instructed her to go to multiple MoneyGram locations and wire money to satisfy the taxes she owed. The victim unfortunately followed the instructions and sent the money.
These incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.
While this incident is under investigation it is important to know the following pointers to avoid being a victim:
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If you suspect the call is fraudulent hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and they can assist you in determining if you do in fact owe money.
For more information click here.
