A new scam targeting Pa. businesses

• Scott LaMar
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Scott LaMar has worked in both radio and television for more than four decades.
  
  Currently, LaMar is the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on WITF-FM, 89.5 & 93.3 in Harrisburg, Pa.
  
  Previously, LaMar was WITF TV’s Sr. Public Affairs producer and produced the station’s award-winning weekly public affairs TV program, Smart Talk.
  
  In addition to his on-air duties, LaMar has moderated political candidate debates, including those for candidates running for Pennsylvania governor and the U.S. Senate and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
  
  LaMar often emcees or moderates local events and has gone as far as California to emcee a national event.
  
  The American Society of Civil Engineers honored LaMar with their national Excellence in Journalism award in 2020. He has been nominated for five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
  
  LaMar and The Spark have been recognized throughout the Central Pennsylvania community including ADVOZ Lancaster’s “Dignity in Dialogue Award”, the South-Central Assembly’s “Regional Citizen Award” and was named a “Humanitarian Hero” by The Humane Society of the United States/Pennsylvania.
  
  A native of Coatesville, Pa., LaMar has also worked as a broadcast news anchor, sports play-by-play announcer and manager.

Vector of scam alert red warning sign with Torn paper frame grunge textured background. EPS Ai 10 file format.

Airdate: July 25, 2022

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is warning of a new scam in which fraudsters are sending phony letters to business owners to try to trick them into turning over their accounting records.

The fraudulent letters include the Department of Revenue’s name and logo, leading the recipients of the letter to believe that they are under investigation for failing to pay Pennsylvania taxes.

Pa. Secretary of Revenue Daniel Hassell

Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Dan Hassell said on Monday’s Smart Talk the letter tells businesses they are under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Revenue and Cash Dispersements Unit — an office that doesn’t exist and are asking for all 2020 accounting records. That information could include bank account and tax return information.

The letter starts with “Dear business owner” and doesn’t include account numbers or any other identifying information.

Hassell says businesses receiving the letter should ignore it or contact the Department of Revenue through their website.