The New York State Police is warning residents of Orange, Rockland, Ulster, Sullivan and Greene Counties of an IRS phone scam that’s been happening here in the Hudson Valley.

Troopers have been notified of and received complaints from citizens who received phone calls from someone claiming to be a representative of the IRS.
The callers use various scare tactics to deceive individuals into providing personal information such as social security numbers and bank account numbers or threatening arrest. The scam targets those who may not readily be aware of the IRS’s procedures.
Here are some IRS tips to protect you from these types of scams:

•The IRS will never contact you first by telephone, but through official correspondence sent via mail.

•You will never be required to use a specific payment method.

•Never give your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

•The IRS never requests immediate payment over the phone.

•You will not be threatened with being arrested by local law enforcement for not paying.

•If you receive a voicemail claiming to be the IRS, do not return the call using the number provided, instead use an official contact number listed on the IRS website.

If you have been a victim of a scam, report the incident to your local law enforcement or State Police barracks. More tips regarding this type of scam can be found on the IRS website.

(YWN Sullivan County Newsroom)