DENVER – Scammers continue to improve their craft and the latest series of shakedowns targeting Coloradans is proof.
Aurora Water is alerting its customers about bogus checks currently circulating around the community.
The checks are for a fairly large amount and have the name of one of its water treatment plants printed on it, leading to concerns that some may think the checks are authentic.
But the utility company says the checks are in fact fake and people should not attempt to deposit them. Aurora Water officials say the scammers are likely trying to steal your bank account information.
Aurora Police have been notified and are investigating.
Meanwhile, Garfield County residents are seeing a resurgence of an old scam with a new twist. Callers pretending to be IRS agents are “ghosting” official numbers of the county to get victims to pick up.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said the crooks are very convincing and have their story and rationale down to where they are seamless in their delivery.
Deputies say the urgency of the scammer to resolve the issue immediately by using cash or cards is a tell-tale sign that you are being scammed.
Remember, the IRS will never:
- Call you about taxes you owe without first mailing you an official notice.
- Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
- Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
- Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.