Police warn of IRS phone scam, increased traffic enforcement

Lawrence police are giving folks a heads up about a recent phone scam making its way around, as well as an increase in traffic enforcement.

First, Wrong Number:

A number of area residents have reported receiving phone calls asking for money on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service, the Lawrence Police Department said in one social media post. These calls are not genuine.

The IRS does not collect money over the phone, police said. Rather, the organization will contact taxpayers by mail.

Anyone receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be an IRS representative is advised not to respond to the call, police said.

If in doubt, it is always best to personally verify any information offered over the phone, police said.

Second, Takin’ it to the Streets:

The Lawrence Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are keeping an extra eye out for people who aren’t wearing their seat belts.

Both the police department and sheriff’s office are taking part in the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign until June 5, alongside nearly 150 other law enforcement agencies.

Funded through a Kansas Department of Transportation Grant, the campaign allows law enforcement agencies to increase their presence on the state’s roads, both agencies said in social media posts. The extra officers and deputies will be specifically looking to enforce seatbelt and other traffic safety laws, especially at night.

The campaign, which began Monday, is meant to reduce the number of deaths and injuries which occur in traffic accidents that might otherwise be preventable, the agencies said.


I report on crime and courts for the Journal-World. I can be reached by email at cswanson@ljworld.com, by phone at (785) 832-7284 or on Twitter @Conrad_Swanson.