KEMPER COUNTY, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Kemper County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a scam alert for local residents, urging them to be on high alert for fraudsters posing as IRS agents or cryptocurrency refund agencies. These scammers are targeting individuals through phone calls, emails, and text messages, falsely claiming that victims are owed a tax refund or a DOGE Dividend reimbursement.
How the Scam Works:
Scammers are using various communication methods to reach potential victims. Individuals may receive a call, email, or text message stating that they qualify for an IRS tax refund or cryptocurrency payout. These fraudsters often request sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, banking details, or cryptocurrency wallet addresses.
In some cases, scammers may pressure victims to act immediately or threaten legal action if they do not comply. Additionally, some fraudsters may ask for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to “process” the refund.
How to Stay Safe:
The Kemper County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to follow these key safety tips:
- The IRS will never contact individuals by phone, email, or text message to demand payment or offer unexpected refunds.
- Do not share any personal or financial information with unknown sources.
- Verify any suspicious claims by contacting the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or by visiting www.irs.gov.
- If you receive a questionable message, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Remember, cryptocurrency refunds are not issued by the IRS. Any claims otherwise are likely fraudulent.
Report Scams Immediately:
If you suspect that you are being targeted by a scam, the Kemper County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to report the incident to local authorities or the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
Residents are also urged to share this warning with friends and family to help prevent the spread of fraud in the community.
Stay vigilant, and always verify before sharing sensitive information.
