Police Issue IRS Phone Scam Alert for Southold, Greenport Residents

NORTH FORK, NY - Southold and Greenport residents have reportedly been victims of an IRS phone scam, police said.

According to Southold Town Police, the police department has experienced an influx of complaints from Southold Town and Greenport Village residents regarding IRS scam attempts.

Residents have received telephone calls from individuals purporting to be a representative of the Internal Revenue Service demanding immediate payment of back taxes, police said.

The caller then gives instructions on paying their bogus tax bill by a prepaid debit card or wire transfer and may also threaten the homeowner with arrest, police said.

The problem is so pervasive that Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said the department received six calls on Thursday alone from residents who've been affected by the scam.

Southold Police want residents to be aware of the following facts regarding the IRS:

1. The IRS will not call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.

2. The IRS will not demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount owed.

3. The IRS will not ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

4. The IRS will not threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

"When receiving a call of this nature, do not give out any information. Hang up immediately," police said.