BEVERLY HILLS—A telephone scam targeting the residents of Beverly Hills has begun, according to the recent influx of reports on the crime. The Beverly Hills Police Department says the scammers cold call residents and claim to be representing the IRS, DWP, and even law enforcement. They then proceed to inform the intended victim they are behind on their taxes or water bill, or that a family member has been arrested, and is in need of bail.
Immediate payment is then demanded in the form of a pre-paid debit card or a wire transfer. The scammers often arm themselves with privileged information, such as the last four digits of the intended victim’s social security number, in order to appear more legitimate.
The scammers have been known to threaten victims who are skeptical or not compliant with jail time, discontinuation of services, or the possibility of a family member remaining in jail.
If you have received this type of phone call or believe you may have been the victim of fraud, please call the Beverly Hills Police Department at (310) 550-4951.
