ELLENVILLE – Police in the Village of Ellenville are investigating what has become a common nationwide scheme to defraud. An elderly couple was called on the phone by a man claiming to be from the IRS. He identified himself as Brian King and demanded that the couple withdraw $4,900 from their bank account for back taxes and that when they had the money in hand, he would tell them what store to go to, so they could send the money by Western Union.
He told them if they did not comply within two hours, they would be jailed and sent to federal prison.
They became upset and went to their bank and the bank referred them to local police.
Police Chief Philip Mattracion issued a warning to area residents that the IRS does not operate in that fashion. “They will not contact you by phone and demand money.”
Mattracion advised residents not to send money to anyone calling you by phone, and representing themselves as agents of the government. He said you should take their name, number, where they are located, and contact local police immediately.
