Submitted by Sheriff Ron Krebs

Recently, the Sheriff’s Office has received several phone calls regarding IRS phone scams. These scams are common during tax season and victims often lose thousands of dollars.

These scams start with phone calls from someone claiming to be an agent or officer of the IRS. Victims are told they have an outstanding debt with the IRS that is due immediately or they will be subject to arrest, deportation or suspension of business or driver’s license. The scam artist will demand payment of the outstanding debt by way of a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer.

Some things to remember if you receive a call claiming you owe the IRS money. The IRS does not initiate tax collection via the telephone. They send letters and collection notices in the mail with contact numbers for YOU to call. They will never email you about a tax debt and they will never demand immediate payment thru cash-by-wire transfers.

If you question whether the person calling you is actually from the IRS, contact the IRS directly at (800) 647-7706. If you think you’ve been a victim of an IRS tax fraud scheme, call the Sheriff’s Office at (360) 378-4151. For more detailed information on this scam, visit www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Warns-of-Pervasive-Telephone-Scam.

Finally, if you question a phone call, phone message or email, listen to your instincts, they are usually right.