State police warn of scam involving IRS calls
Pennsylvania State Police is warning people of a scam regarding the Internal Revenue Service.
Trooper Stefani Lucas, public information officer, said PSP received numerous calls from concerned citizens reporting individuals were calling them claiming to be from the IRS.
The caller is stating the person owes money to the IRS and it must be paid immediately, according to a statement issued by Lucas.
“We want everyone to know that the IRS does not personally call individuals who owe money to them. If that is the case an official letter will be mailed to you indicating money is owed,” Lucas said. “The IRS will not threaten arrest or demand that you make a payment immediately. They will not ask you to wire money or pay with a credit/debit card.”
If you received a similar call, or someone else posing as a company or business contacted you recently with something similar, state policea are encouraging you to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC can be contacted online at ftc.gov. You may also contact the IRS directly if you are concerned you possibly owe money at 1-800-829-1040.
“Regardless of the type of ‘scam call’ that you have received, remember to never give out any personal information over the phone. If it is a company you do business with have them send you something via the mail or go to their place of business in person,” Lucas said. “If you believe that you may have given out information to a scammer, immediately take action to protect your identity. And, if you have sent money to someone you believe may have scammed you, immediately contact the appropriate (law enforcement) authority in your area and report it.”