A phone scam is targeting South Lake Tahoe residents.

The caller identifies themselves as an employee of the IRS, then says a warrant has been issued for their arrest or that the person owes taxes. Callers tell intended victims they must pay using a pre-paid debit card, credit cards or wire transfer. The scammers threaten those who refuse to pay with arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license.

The callers who commit this fraud often:

·        Use common names and fake IRS badge numbers.

·        May know the last four digits of the victim’s Social Security number.

·        Make caller ID appear as if the IRS is calling.

·        Send bogus IRS emails to support their scam.

·        Call multiple times claiming to be the police or DMV and caller ID again supports their claim.

The IRS nevers asks for payment using a pre-paid debit card, credit card, or wire transfer.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS asking for a payment, call the IRS at 800.829.1040 if you do owe taxes; call Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800.366.4484 if you don’t owe taxes.

Do not give the callers any personal information.