Duluth Police Department Warns Of IRS Scam

The Duluth Police Department has recently received several phone calls and messages on their Facebook page in regards to what they are calling an IRS scam.  They expect these type of annoying calls to increase as we near the tax deadline.  Here's what you need to know. The scammer is knocking on doors, posing as an agent, and demanding an immediate payment for back taxes owed.

• The IRS does not call people by phone, or contact you by email or social media to threaten any kind of legal action. They will send a letter explaining the situation and give you suggestions on how to rectify it.
• The IRS will always give you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
• The IRS does not require that you use a specific payment to pay your taxes.
• The IRS will NEVER ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.The IRS will not demand immediate payment or threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested if you do not pay.

If you've encountered a suspicious phone call the best line of defense is to just hang up.  The DPD says unless you actually suffer a financial loss due to one of these calls, you do not need to contact 911 to report them.  They are already aware.  Remember, under no circumstances should you send money upon the request of someone over the phone or by email, ever.