Published December 2nd, 2015
Moraga Police Blotter
Identity theft 11/19/15 A Cedarwood Drive resident stated an unknown subject attempted to use his personal information at an unknown payday loan business. The transaction was flagged as fraudulent and was declined. Good thing.

DUI 11/22/15 Car versus a telephone pole, and the pole won. Cops came upon the scene on Sullivan Drive to find the driver out of the car and yelling, perhaps the discussion partner was the pole? After an evaluation, the driver was placed under arrest for driving under the influence.

Alert, direct from the Moraga Police Department:
Moraga residents are currently being targeted by scammers claiming to be from the IRS or Department of Treasury. These people are crooks who are attempting to defraud you and other residents. Do not send money to them.

The call will usually begin with the scammer falsely identifying themselves as a federal officer and may provide a badge or serial number. They will tell you about a tax debt that you have and the necessity to get it cleared up immediately. During these calls, the scammer may know your name, address or personal information, which are all easily obtained through different avenues. The scammer may threaten to arrest you, deport you or have a license revoked if you fail to pay. They may alter their caller ID to make it appear the call is coming from the IRS. They may also send you an email that appears very official.

These scammers are attempting to use fear and will attempt to bully you into paying money to them through Western Union, MoneyGram or GreenDot cards. The IRS does not use these payment services. They only use payment services that are directly connected to and contracted with the IRS. Additionally, the IRS communicates via official correspondence, not through unsolicited telephone calls.

If you receive one of these scam calls, simply hang up. You should report the call to the IRS or the Federal Trade Commission. Links and telephone numbers for this are available by going to www.irs.gov and clicking on "Consumer Alert - Beware of Phone Scams." You will find the information about halfway down the page. If you have been de- frauded, please report it to Lt. Jon King at the Moraga Police Department as soon as possible: (925) 888-7049; king@moraga.ca.us.

If you have questions about any issues you may have with the IRS or Department of the Treasury, you should contact them directly via information found on their website or in the telephone directory, or visit the local IRS office.

The following crimes also occurred in Moraga between Nov. 17-24:
False Alarm - Camino Peral, Country Club Drive, Lakefield Place, Corte de Caballo, Corte Granada, Merrill Circle North, St. Mary's Road
Suspicious Circumstances - Miramonte Drive
Lost Wallet - Rheem Blvd.
Danger to Self - Moraga Road
Lost Phone - Wandel Drive
Domestic Disturbance - Ascot Drive

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