Cayuga Co. Sheriff warns of IRS phone scam

Sheriff Dave Gould would like to alert the community of recent complaints that have been received by the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office regarding telephone calls to residents from individuals claiming to be representatives of the IRS. Such scammers are alleging that taxes are owed to the IRS and that if the debt is not paid, legal action will ensue. Be aware that the IRS contacts people by mail, NOT BY PHONE, about unpaid taxes. The IRS will not ask for payment using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. The IRS also will not ask for a credit card number over the phone.According to the website of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, here’s what to do if you get a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS asking for a payment:• If you owe Federal taxes, or think you might owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions.• If you do not owe taxes, fill out the “IRS Impersonation scam” form on Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s (TIGTA) website, www.treasury.gov/tigta, or call TIGTA at 800-366-4484.• You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTC.gov. Add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments in your complaint.