Just because it is summertime doesn’t mean the scammers take a vacation.

The IRS, everyone’s favorite government agency, is reporting a new twist on an old scam.

It goes like this: (from the IRS):

In the latest twist, the scammer claims to be from the IRS and tells the victim about two certified letters purportedly sent to the taxpayer in the mail but returned as undeliverable. The scam artist then threatens arrest if a payment is not made through a prepaid debit card. The scammer also tells the victim that the card is linked to the EFTPS system when, in fact, it is entirely controlled by the scammer. The victim is also warned not to contact their tax preparer, an attorney or their local IRS office until after the tax payment is made.

If you get a call like this, HANG UP THE PHONE! The IRS will not call you unless you have given them permission to in the past regarding a tax matter. They will only contact you by mail.

Of course, if you think you may actually owe taxes, we have a tax office right here in Lubbock at the Mahon Federal Building downtown and you can go visit with them.

And folks, spread this message around to everyone, including our senior friends, as they are the most vulnerable to these types of scams.

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