The Beverly Hills Police Department is warning residents about a scam where individuals call residents and identify themselves as agents or representatives of the IRS or SCE.

During the phone calls, the alleged agents state the resident is delinquent in paying a bill or owe back taxes. The resident is then instructed to purchase prepaid debit cards, usually Green Dot/Money Pak cards. The suspects have been known to stay on the phone with the resident while they purchase the card and they even mention specific details about the resident that only a legitimate source would know. There have also been threats of the delinquent payments leading to a warrant being issued for the resident’s arrest.

After the resident purchases the card, the alleged agent asks for the card numbers to be given verbally over the phone. Once the card numbers are given over the phone, the alleged suspect will then upload the card number to another untraceable debit type card, usually in outside of California or the United States, and the funds are gone within minutes.

Due to this being a scam, the resident’s bank will not reimburse them for their financial loss. No legitimate government agency, public utility, or company will request payment for bills via the use of prepaid cards purchased from a pharmacy or grocery store.

Residents who receive such a phone call are instructed to contact the true entity by researching the number either on the internet or contact a trusted resource for assistance. The scam can be reported to police via 911, or by calling the IRS at (800)908-4490.