Phony IRS Tax Scam Reported By Law Enforcement

BIRMINGHAM, AL - With tax season in full swing, the phone scammers are reportedly busy trying to get money from taxpayers. Multiple law enforcement agencies in the Birmingham metro area have received reports of callers posing as IRS agents demanding money.

Recently, Hoover PD detectives working with the Jefferson County Metro Area Crime Center reported that residents from local jurisdictions are receiving phone calls from phony "IRS agents" saying that the victim owes back taxes and to avoid a warrant for arrest being issued, the victim can take care of the fine over the telephone.

Hoover PD issued a statement outlining the basic script of the scammers:

1. This is “fill in the blank government agency” (IRS, local Sheriff’s Office, etc.)
2. You have done something wrong (tax problems, missed jury duty, etc.)
3. You will have the local police called on you, warrant issued, arrest, etc.
4. To avoid this, you can take care of payment over the phone

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"This is not how legitimate government business is handled," the Hoover PD said in its statement. "One of many red flags and the universal common denominator with phone scams is unusual payment requests. If they say anything about you going to purchase gift cards (then give them the numbers over the phone), wiring cash, or purchasing iTunes cards (then give them the numbers over the phone), it’s a scam. Hang up the phone. Do not give them any personal information."

Police say to report these calls directly to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint.