IRS Scams Reported in South River

South River, NJ - Many South River residents are reporting getting phony IRS scam calls this week, borough police said Wednesday.

Residents have been contacted by scammers posing as agents with the United States IRS, demanding payment for past due taxes, South River police said. In most cases, these scams are attempted via telephone but they have also been known to be attempted via email, regular mail and various other methods.

Stay aware: Here are 5 things an IRS scammer will say that the real IRS would never do:

1. Call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call about taxes you owe without first mailing you a bill.

2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the chance to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.

3. Require you to use a certain payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.

4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

5. Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying.

6. Use unsolicited email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issues.