Seniors, people with disabilities warned of property rebate scam

(WTAJ) — Seniors and people with disabilities who are receiving rebates through the Property Tax/Rebate Program are being warned of a phone scam.

The scam involves a caller who states they are from the Department of Revenue or Treasury Department claiming they can assist with the direct deposit of their rebate. However, neither department would ever contact anyone via phone call to gather personal banking information.

The Department of Revenue does contact applicants via automated calls to confirm information has been received and approved, but nothing more. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not contact anyone to verify account information. It is encouraged to ask for a call back number if you receive a call like the one mentioned, hang up and verify the information that was given before sharing.

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Scammers will commonly pretend to be from an organization you are familiar with, make the topic seem urgent or offer a limited time prize, will pressure you to act immediately and will tell you to pay in a very specific way.

The Federal Trade Commission reminds everyone that it is okay to stop the interaction and talk to someone you trust before doing anything else that the scammer is requesting.

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