IRS Scam: Police Warn of Calls Targeting Elderly

By MIKE CARRAGGI (Patch Staff)

WAYLAND, MA - State and local police are warning of an IRS phone scam targeting the elderly.

Boston Police said Tuesday it received several reports of an “aggressive” phone scam where some claiming to work for the IRS threatened to arrest people for not paying their taxes.

Police are offering some reminders of what the IRS will never do:

• Call your home demanding the immediate payment of any taxes over the phone.

• Ask for your credit or debit card information over the phone.

• Demand that you pay taxes using a specific method like a prepaid debit card.

• Threaten to have you arrested for not paying taxes.

The police suggest calling them or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484 if you think are being or have been scammed. For more information visit: www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Scams-Consumer-Alerts.