Willow Springs Police Chief Brian Hogan is warning area residents to be aware of scammers. In a press release He said that scammers have been targeting residents in our area for some time, but recently numerous Willow Springs residents have reported receiving a call from the number 256-291-8674. Be aware that scammers are easily able to change the number that shows up. In this scam they leave a recording that says that they are the IRS and if you do not call them back within 24 hours to pay overdue taxes or fix a mistake with your tax filing then the local police wil arrive to arrest you. The Chief says please do not ever send money or give bank or credit card or any personal information to anyone calling claiming they are a government agency such as this.
He said this is the most recent type of scam that they are receiving reports about, however there are numerous others that have been calling in for some time now such as people claiming to be with Publishers Clearing House, Wal-Mart gift center, internet lottery, etc. Hogan says please protect your personal information and never give it out over the phone or to anyone that you cannot verify are who they say they are. These types of scams are directed toward the elderly, but they will try anyone with a cell phone or email account.