State and local police are warning residents about an on-going IRS phone scam that has been reported all over the Hudson Valley.

New York State Police say they’ve received complaints about an IRS phone scam from residents in Orange, Rockland, Ulster, Sullivan and Greene Counties. East Fishkill Police notes the same scheme going on in Dutchess County.

The callers use various scare tactics to deceive individuals into providing personal information such as social security numbers and bank account numbers by threatening arrest. The scam targets those who may not readily be aware of the IRS’s procedures.

Scammers call taxpayers claiming to be IRS officials and demand that the victim pay a fake tax bill. Many phone scams use threats to intimidate a victim into paying. There are reports of residents being told they will be arrested, deported, or have their driver’s license revoked if they don’t pay.

Other scams comes from a person claiming to be a relative in need of bail money, other money, or in need of assistance.

In almost all cases victims are tricked into sending cash, through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.

Here are some IRS tips to protect you from these types of scams:

•The IRS will never contact you first by telephone, but through official correspondence sent via mail.
•You will never be required to use a specific payment method.
•Never give your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
•The IRS never requests immediate payment over the phone.
•You will not be threatened with being arrested by local law enforcement for not paying.
•If you receive a voicemail claiming to be the IRS, do not return the call using the number provided, instead use an official contact number listed on the IRS website.
If you have been a victim of a scam, report the incident to your local law enforcement or State Police barracks. More tips regarding this type of scam can be found on the IRS website.

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