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The warning states that law enforcement is investigating a series of phone fraud calls that make the recipient believe they are coming from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The caller typically demands cash payment for unpaid taxes or some other form of financial reimbursement.
Other times, the caller pretends to be calling on behalf of a relative in danger or trouble, prompting the recipient to send money.
When receiving these types of calls, law enforcement urges residents to stay calm. The IRS rarely contacts people over the phone and will never ask for payment with a prepaid debit card, a money order or a wire transfer. Similarly, the IRS won’t ask for your credit card number over the phone.
If you do believe you may owe back taxes to the IRS, call (800) 829-1040.
If you receive a call alleging that a distant family member needs help, tell the caller you’ll call them back. Consult the family member directly and don’t take any action without confirming that the call is legitimate.
If you think you’ve been a victim of a phone scam, call the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department at (845) 225-4300 or contact your local police department.
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