Woodburn police warn of iTunes gift card scam

In light of a recent uptick in telephone scams involving iTunes gift cards, the Woodburn Police Department is warning residents to be wary of callers demanding payment in gift cards.

Several scam artists have called victims in the Woodburn area claiming to either be from the IRS or from an organization offering a cash prize to the victim. The victims were directed to buy iTunes gift cards then read the card codes to the scammer over the phone.

In a statement, department officials reminded residents that government agencies do not direct people to purchase gift cards. They also cautioned people to not "fall for anyone advising they are a prize winner where the 'winner' has to pay money or make other purchases to redeem their prize."

Those contacted by suspected scammers should hang up the phone and call the government agency themselves or their local police department.

Residents are encouraged to contact Woodburn police at 503-982-2345 for further information.

Email wmwoodwort@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-399-6884 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth