8 tips for avoiding government imposter scams

Beware of that unknown caller. He or she could be running a government imposter scam. (Plain Dealer file)

AKRON, Ohio -- Another year passed and scam artists found another round of ways to rip off people over the phone, often with threats or enticing promises.

The Better Business Bureau of Akron published five scams it detected in the Akron metropolitan area this year, starting off with a scam the Internal Revenue Service started warning people about in July.

"Impostors prey on people's emotions," Akron Better Business Bureau CEO Christy Page said. "Pretending to be government agents, lawyers, debt collectors, police officers, they can catch even the savvy off guard."

1. The IRS scam

Someone calls claiming to be from the IRS and threatening the recipient with jail time or legal consequences if they don't pay back taxes. The caller ID is spoofed to appear as a police or a government agency, and often includes a 202 area code.

In reality, the IRS will not call people directly to collect taxes in this manner. Anyone with questions about their taxes can call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

2. Government grant scams

In another scam reported by the bureau, victims either take a phone call or receive an email that says they have qualified for a government grant. In order to get the grant, the recipient has to send money as a processing fee or delivery fee.

No one receives government grants without applying for them, however, and government grants are very rarely awarded to individuals. Those who sent in money under this scam never saw it again, the bureau reported.

3. Gift or 'sweepstakes' scams

Many received phone calls offering a prize or gift, the bureau reported, often an Android tablet. To receive the gift one must call for further instructions or send payment to cover expenses like delivery, processing or insurance.

The prizes weren't real, though, and the bureau said that you should never have to pay money to claim a prize you've won.

4. Debt collection scam

Some folks received calls from alleged debt collectors, claiming they have unpaid debt and threatening wage garnishments, lawsuit and even jail, the bureau reported.

Phony debt collectors will use fake caller ID names that claim to be a government or law enforcement agency to invoke a sense of fear. Any debt collection information should be sent in writing, the bureau advises.

5. Advance fee loan scam

While searching for loan information, victims will see an ad for a loan and click through to a different website. After filling out an application the victim will receive an email or phone call advising that they are approved for the loan, but must first send a processing fee, security deposit, or insurance.

"Don't pay that 'fee' or you'll have less money than you started with," the bureau advises.

How to avoid scams

When in doubt, the Better Business Bureau says its best to just hang up the phone, close the website and ignore the emails.

"The best way to avoid these scams is to avoid the scammer," advises Page. "One of his tactics is to build a relationship with you. The more time a scammer spends with you; the more opportunity he has to influence you. Hang up the phone, don't click that link, and don't be pressured to make a hasty decision."