Local Residents, Sheriff Warns Of Phone Scam

The Edmonson Voice has received multiple reports of county residents getting phone calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS. According to reports, the threatening caller claims that you've been found guilty of tax evasion or demands that you pay a certain amount of past due taxes.

Some said that the caller had a very strong Indian accent and had trouble speaking English, others said it was a recording of a female that spoke plain English.

The caller offers "help" in the event that you don't know what to do. Another says you will be arrested if you don't pay taxes or fees. Each caller apparently asks you to call back at another number to solve the issue, which officials say is nothing but a way to steal your personal information.

"This is a very common tactic used by scammers," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "And it's difficult to track the caller ID because they're normally computer-generated calls and the number shown for the source of the call can change each time."

Doyle said the simplest thing to do is to hang up. "The IRS will never call individuals. If they ever need to contact you, you will be notified in writing. Again, they will NEVER ask you for money or info over the phone, nor make any accusations. Don't even listen to it, just hang up."

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