With tax season almost upon us, area residents are seeing an increase in the number of IRS telephone scams. One Halbur resident was contacted by an individual claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at approximately 10:50 a.m. Thursday morning. During the phone call, the scammer ordered the intended victim to reply to demands for payment and said authorities would take him into custody if he did not comply. Fortunately, the man became suspicious of the call and hung up before any losses occurred. The IRS does not demand immediate payments using specific methods such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers and will first mail a bill to individuals who do owe taxes. They will not request payment without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question the amount owed and will never threaten to bring in police, immigration officers or other law enforcement to have you arrested for not paying. The IRS also cannot revoke driver’s licenses, business licenses or immigration status. Threats like these are used as scare tactics to coerce victims into paying. If you receive a call from the IRS you believe is suspicious, hang up the phone and contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
