The IRS scam that won't go away

East Ridge Police Chief warns residents of continuing phone scam

December 11, 2014 at 4:52 p.m. | Updated December 11, 2014 at 4:53 p.m.

by Staff Report

FILE - In this March 22, 2103 file photo, the exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building is seen in Washington. House Republicans are moving to pass a one-year extension of temporary tax breaks affecting millions of businesses and individuals. Most of the more than 50 tax breaks expired at the end of 2013, so the extension would only run through the end of the month. However, it would allow taxpayers to claim the tax breaks when they file their 2014 tax returns. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
FILE - In this March 22, 2103 file photo, the exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building is seen in Washington. House Republicans are moving to pass a one-year extension of temporary tax breaks affecting millions of businesses and individuals. Most of the more than 50 tax breaks expired at the end of 2013, so the extension would only run through the end of the month. However, it would allow taxpayers to claim the tax breaks when they file their 2014 tax returns. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

The IRS phone scam that made headlines in Bradley County has moved to East Ridge, Tennessee, according to the East Ridge police department.

The scammers, who pose as representative of the Internal Revenue Service, accuse victims of having tax violations and claim that the only way to avoid prosecution is to load up a Green Dot or other reloadable debit card with a certain amount of cash.

Reputable organizations such as the IRS typically do not ask for payment on a reloadable debit card. Legitimate businesses and agencies will never ask you for personal information.

The caller speaks in broken English and may use an out-of-state phone number, police say. If the phone isn't picked up, the caller leaves instructions to call back within 24 hours.

Consumers are advised not give or even verify personal information over the phone or purchase a reloadable debit card to pay a bill, whether a person calls from the IRS or from any other organization.

If in doubt, call the East Ridge police at 622-1725 or report suspicious activity to the IRS at 1-800-366-4484.

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