Police Warn of 'IRS' Scam: 'They Threaten Arrest'

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Numerous Massachusetts residents have reported they received a call from the ”IRS” this week. The caller threatens arrest if directions aren’t followed for paying taxes immediately through Western Union or similar money sources.

Police say the calls are a scam.

“The IRS will not contact you by phone,” said police. “Please do not fall for this scam. Just hang up the phone and ignore the calls.”

With tax season quickly approaching, IRS scammers are out in full force trying to attack your wallet.

Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian is cautioning residents to be on high alert for IRS scams.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration reported approximately 4,550 victims of IRS scams nationwide from October 2013 to 2015, with the victims losing more than $23 million dollars.

“While we have not seen a noticeable uptick in calls reported to us in recent weeks, we want residents to be on guard against attempts by scammers to separate them from their hard-earned money,” said Sheriff Koutoujian in Tuesday’s statement. “As tax season swings into high gear, it is likely the number of calls being received by local residents from individuals posing as IRS agents—or law enforcement officials collecting on behalf of the IRS—will increase.”

According to Koutoujian’s warning, scammers will identify themselves as law enforcement members or IRS agents, and will demand overdue taxes be paid via wire transfer or via pre-paid debit card. The caller will often threaten arrest if the person refuses to pay.

“At no time will a real IRS agent or law enforcement official demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “These are telltale signs of a scam.”