New York state officials are warning people to beware of scam phone calls claiming back taxes are owed.

State tax officials say the scammers claim to work for an attorney and attempt to convince people to send money to settle an outstanding state tax debt. Tax officials say they never call without first mailing the taxpayer an official notice.

People who have been targeted by this scam are advised to file a consumer complaint online with the New York state attorney general’s office or to call the office’s hotline at (800) 771-7755.

(AP)