The number of phone scams affecting the USC community have increased over the last month, according to USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety. The number used in some of the phone scams displays as the primary phone number of the Columbia Police Department (803-545-3500).
The suspect in most of the reported cases is a man claiming to be an agent of the Internal Revenue Service, who threatens people with arrest and jail time unless they pay taxes in the form of money orders or prepaid debit or credit cards. Victims have typically received another call soon after, with a caller ID matching the Columbia Police Department. An alleged member of the police department then offers proof to back up the IRS worker's claims.
The Columbia Police Department is investigating the fraudulent calls with the help of the University of South Carolina Police Department and believes the calls are specifically targeting university students.
Two international USC students reported receiving several calls last Wednesday requesting thousands of dollars and threatening large fines, jail time and deportation if they didn't pay the IRS.
No victims have paid any money and all contacted police immediately.
The caller had student information details of the victims, and police said it is unclear how the suspect found this information or why these students specifically were targeted.
The Addison, Texas Police Department also received a report that a student in the area received a similar call. The caller ID in this case also appeared to be the Columbia Police Department.
USCPD published a list of tips for potential victims in a crime bulletin posted on Thursday.
“We advise students to be aware of these phone scams and follow these tips,” said Eric Grabski, community relations officer for USCPD.
USCPD urges students not to have a long conversation with unknown callers, not to give out personal information to unverified people and not to give out financial information unless you initiate the call. USCPD also urges students to call the IRS directly if you may owe taxes and to notify the police immediately if you receive a call but have no reason to think that you owe taxes.
Furthermore, USCPD wants students to ask for a return phone number from anyone who calls and claims to be a law enforcement officer or a member of another government agency. If you receive multiple calls, USCPD asks that for help in the investigation making a log of times, topics and demands of the call to give to police.
Victims of phone scams are encouraged to report suspicious people and related crime tips to law enforcement or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Anonymous tips can be sent through text or online at www.midlandcrimestoppers.com.