BATESVILLE – A local resident received a scary voicemail and after some research we were able to link the phone number with other scam reports across the country.
The citizen said the voicemail was from a man identifying himself as Eric Foster, a representative from the IRS Criminal Enforcement division with a request she call back.
The caller had a Middle Eastern accent and called from phone number (301) 812-4171. That area code is associated with Maryland and Washington D.C.
We’re told by the citizen that she did not call back and that appears to be a wise decision. View the similarities in our report and this article from Pennsylvania website gantdaily.com:
CLEARFIELD – Lawrence Township police would like to warn the public about a phone scam after receiving a complaint from a resident. Upon investigation police found a Middle Eastern male had called the resident, advising he was with the Internal Revenue Service. He subsequently advised the resident that they were in violation of U.S. Law. Police obtained the male’s phone number and contacted him. After a brief conversation, police said the male identified himself as Special Agent Eric Foster. Police said the male admitted it was a scam and he’d made contact from an international phone number. Police would like to warn residents not to answer phone calls from 301-812-4171. Also, police urge residents not to provide any information to callers who claim to be with the IRS until they receive verification. Police would like to provide the correct, local IRS phone number, which is 412-395-5667.Click here for additional tips from Sgt. Kevin Turner with Greendale Police that can help in protecting against this type of scam.
