The Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) has received complaints of phone scams. Both complaints have involved a suspect calling and advising victims that he/she represents a federal agency [either the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)] and threatens to arrest the victim if they do not immediately purchase a large amount of pre-paid gift cards and provide the card numbers to the suspect.
Please remember:
Federal, state, or local government offices will not call and demand payment in lieu of civil or criminal action.
None of these government offices will ask you to make the payments via Western Union, MoneyGram, Wal-Mart or through any temporary credit or gift card.
DO NOT provide callers with your social security numbers, bank account information, or any other financial institution information over the phone.
Contact CUPD if you feel that you have been the victim of one of these scams, and take the time to verify anyone calling to demand payment over the phone.
