Sheriff warns of scams in the area

Kootenai County Sheriff Ben Wolfinger is cautioning citizens to be aware of several scams currently circulating in the area.

1. You receive an email from an unknown person for a “Secret Shopper” sign up. After you complete the online form and send it in, you receive a packet in the mail with a check for $1,000 to $3,000. You are told to deposit the check into your bank account and wait 24 hours. After the 24 hours you can withdraw your “commission” along with sending the remaining balance to an unknown location. You are then advised by your bank that the deposited check is no good, usually counterfeit.

2. You are contacted by telephone from a preson claiming to be with “DISH Network.” The caller advises you the DISH equipment (receivers, etc) is outdated and will no longer work after a period of time. The caller will ask for your DISH model and router number. After the caller “confirms” this information, the caller will ask for your security code and other additional personal information. The caller states the replacement cost is $200-$500. All individuals who have received this call have contacted DISH Network and were advised there is no appointment set up to replace any equipment and that the telephone call was a scam.

3. A call is received by you with the caller or recording stating it is the IRS and that you should immediately call them regarding a lawsuit the IRS will be filing against you, or a possible arrest warrant will be issued. The caller or recording will provided a telephone number for you to call. Do not call the number, this is a scam. First and foremost, the IRS will not initially call you. If there is an issue with your taxes, they will send you a letter first, not call you on the telephone.

Or, a call is received by you with the caller stating they are with the IRS and asking you for your personal information, including your name, address and Social Security number. This is another scam.

If you filed your tax return, and the IRS notifies you by mail your tax return has already been filed, someone has used your Social Security number for filing a tax return. You will need to contact the “IRS ID Protection Unit” at (800) 908-4490 to receive and complete the IRS #14039 form. This form can also be found at the IRS website.