Sheriff Scott Keeler said his office has received numerous complaints in reference to citizens receiving telephone calls from individuals impersonating Internal Revenue Service(IRS) employees. Citizens report the callers are aggressive and threaten taxpayers with police arrest, deportation, license revocation, and more. They often demand payment of back taxes on a prepaid debit card or by immediate wire transfer.

     The sheriff explained the IRS will never call to demand immediate payment over the phone or call about taxes owed without mailing a bill first. They will not ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone or threaten to immediately bring in law enforcement to make an arrest for not paying.

     “As frustrating as these calls may be, there is no crime committed until money is exchanged,” said Sheriff Keeler.

     For additional information on protecting against scams please visit the crime tips page on the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office website, www.scsomo.org.