We have all heard about scams and have been warned against them, which is a good thing because when  they happen they can sure sound believable.

This morning while we were out a phone call came in and the message was recorded on our answer machine. The voice on the recording sounded Indian.

The message word for word was, “This message is intended to contact you regarding an enforcement action executed by the United States Treasury intending your serious attention. Ignoring this message will be an intentional second attempt to avoid an initial appearance before the magistrate judge or the grand jury for a federal criminal offense. The number to reach us is 559-588-4761. I advise you to cooperate with us and help us to help you.”

We reported the phone call to the Layfayette Sheriff’s Department. Then I decided to call the number to offer remedial English lessons. The same sounding Indian voice answered and said, “Daniel Case, United States Treasury.” I told him that I knew what he was doing was a scam and that I had reported him to the police. He laughed and said they would never be able to catch him, and that he just planned to go ahead and call the next number on his list. He was extremely confident and arrogant.

So please be careful. Government agencies, banks, the IRS, credit card companies, etc. will never call you threatening you and then try to get your financial or personal information to put things right.

Joanne Wilkinson

Oxford