Authorities warn of IRS phone scam
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning Thursday about an IRS phone scam:
“Beware of the IRS scam that’s making the rounds again in San Luis Obispo County. This scam is targeting seniors. The sheriff’s office has received 8 to 10 reports just today from people who say they received a phone call from someone who identifies themselves as a representative of the IRS.
“The caller proceeds to tell them they owe money to the IRS and they must pay promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer, or they could face jail time. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting. And they are especially aggressive. They may call back, even if you hang up on them.”
“Please inform your family and friends about this scam so they can be prepared in the event they receive a call like this.”
The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment; or demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe; or ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone; or threaten to bring in law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying, the warning reads.
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