Columbus Police urge you to be wary of IRS-related scam

The Columbus Police Department (CPD) says it has been getting multiple calls from area residents about individuals calling them claiming to be employees with the IRS.

CPD Spokesman Officer Justin Black says that during these calls, victim’s report that the person acting as an IRS employee tells them that they owe money to the IRS. They also say that if they do not pay during the phone call, they could be faced with arrest and additional penalties. Black says that with the increase in these types of calls, the CPD is reminding you of following:

• The IRS will never call to demand immediate payment without first having sent paperwork via mail.
• The IRS will never demand you pay taxes without first allowing you to question or dispute the claim.
• The IRS will never require you to use a specific type of payment method such as a prepaid debit card.
• The IRS will never threaten to acquire the use of local police to arrest you for nonpayment.
• The IRS will never ask for debit/credit card information via telephone.

Black adds that often, these calls are made from overseas by people who are able to alter the Caller ID so that it appears that the victim is indeed receiving a phone call from the IRS. CPD says to never give out any personal information, credit card numbers or bank account information over the telephone to unsolicited callers.