Two women in LA arrested in IRS call scam

Two women in Los Angeles County have been arrested- accused of perpetrating a scheme in which callers pose as IRS agents and bilk unsuspecting victims out of gift cards, reports NBC Los Angeles.

Authorities say they confiscated $1 million dollars in electronics and gift cards during their investigation which culminated in the arrests of Ailing Lu, 25, of Los Angeles and Ji Hyun Lee, 25 of Gardena. The two allegedly scammed hundreds of victims.

Callers phone their targets telling them they owe money to the IRS and unless they sent them $2200 in gift cards, they would be arrested.

According to Fox11 , authorities have surveillance video of the women redeeming the gift cards at Target. Among the evidence confiscated is electronics equipment and watches.

“We have things from iPads to iWatches to cameras,” said Officer Richard Guerrero to NBC LA.

“No law enforcement agency is going to threaten you with arrest and have you pay for these alleged consequences with gift cards, including the IRS,” he said.