SALT LAKE CITY - Officials are warning Utahns about a new phone scam where callers impersonate the IRS.
Residents who have received the scam call said the person on the other end is aggressive, demands payment and threatens jail time or other punishment.
Some Spanish-speaking residents have also been targeted and threatened with deportation if they don't comply with the caller's demands.
The scammers even targeted State Senator Curtis Bramble's wife with several calls making threats and demanding money.
If you get a call from the number (202) 609-7070, the Internal Revenue Service is warning you not to answer the phone.
IRS officials said those who call from this number are impersonating IRS agents and demand payment, usually for fake tax liens.
Authorities said the phony agent, who usually has a heavy accent, will call or leave a voice mail saying you owe money to the IRS and if it isn't paid immediately you will be arrested.
The IRS says they have received about 100,000 complaints to date about the scam and more than 1,000 people have lost an estimated $5 million from the fraud.
The IRS said it will never:
- Never ask for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone
- Never insist that taxpayers use a specific payment method to pay tax obligations
- Never request immediate payment over the telephone and will not take enforcement action immediately following a phone conversation. Taxpayers usually receive prior notification of IRS enforcement action involving IRS tax liens or levies
If you get a call you believe to be a part of this scam, the IRS urges you call 1-800-366-4484 to report the incident.
Utah residents can also call 1-800-829-1040 to report the scam calls.
For more information on phone scams and how to avoid being defrauded, visit irs.gov.
