I would like to let everyone know of a new scam that has effected surrounding counties. In surrounding counties, they are having a new SCAM attempted.  The SCAM is known as the “CEO fraud”.  The CEO fraud is an e-mail scam in which the fraudster spoofs or uses an email address similar to the CEO’s.   The suspect uses this email address to direct an employee at the company to either send funds or obtain employee information from the company.  Prior cases from other counties have had this scam used to obtain employees tax information from the company.  The scammers are then using this information to file a false tax return in the employees name.

According to the IRS phishers, a term used for scammers attempting to gain information, are off to an early start this year.  The IRS warned that thieves also appear to be targeting a wider range of organizations in these W-2 phishing schemes, including school districts, healthcare organizations, chain restaurants, temporary staffing agencies, and nonprofits.

If you think you have received a suspicious type of email, please contact and verify the email with the person that sent you the email by phone or in person.  Do not reply back until you confirm it.  If you have any questions or think you may be a victim in a scam, please contact the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crime Unit at 704-878-3180.