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Fake IRS scammer prompts local woman to buy $58,000 in iTunes gift cards

A Jacksonville woman was scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars and now, police are using her story as a warning for others.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the woman got a call from someone pretending to work for the IRS.

According to police, the victim got a call from a man named “Jack Roger.” He said he was an IRS agent and the woman was going to jail for tax fraud if she didn’t pay. Her options: pay in cash or gift cards. The victim told police she bought iTunes gift cards totaling $58,500.

“They’ll threaten you with a warrant, they’ll threaten you with seizing something from you,” said Action News Jax crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson.

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Jefferson said this scam preys on people’s fears.

“They’re just like some salesmen. They’re talking fast, not giving you a chance to rationalize, not a chance to think,” Jefferson said.

The victim gave the con artist the activation codes on the back of the cards, but the con artist kept calling, asking for more money. That’s when she called police. Now police are warning others about this scam. Jefferson said there’s one thing you should keep in mind.

“When you owe the IRS or pay the IRS, they ask for cashier check or money orders. They don’t ask for gift cards,” Jefferson said.