Alameda Co. DA Warns Of Phone Scammers Claiming To Be From IRS

OAKLAND (CBS SF) – The Alameda County District Attorney's Office warned people Monday about scams in which callers who claim they're from the Internal Revenue Service or other government agencies request payments for certain services or to repay a past due balance.

The District Attorney's Office said the callers, who sometimes claim to be from superior court, request payment by way of a gift card, a credit card or a money order.

Prosecutors said the calls are scams because no government agency makes direct calls requesting or demanding payment by way of money order, gift cards or credit cards.

They said people shouldn't share their personal information, such as their social security number, home address or date of birth with callers and shouldn't send the requested money or payment.

The District Attorney's Office said people who believe they've been a victim of this type of telephone scam should call the consumer protection line at (877) 288-2882.