City Subscriptions

The Duluth Police Department has been receiving numerous phone calls and messages to our Facebook page regarding IRS scams. There is probably going to be an increase in these calls close to tax filing time. These criminals spend more time scamming individuals instead of putting their knowledge to good use. If you receive these types of calls, simply either don’t answer your phone or hang up.

• The IRS does not call people by phone, or contact you by email or social media threatening legal action.  They will send you a letter informing you that you owe money and how to go about resolving any problems. 
• The IRS will not demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
• The IRS will not require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
• The IRS will not ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• The IRS will not demand immediate payment or threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested if you do not pay. 

When you receive these types of calls, just hang up.  Unless you have suffered a financial loss, you do not need to contact 911 to report these calls as the Duluth Police Department is aware of the scams.  Remember, under no circumstances should you send money upon the request of someone over the phone or by email. 

For more information on this topic, please visit https://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Scams-Consumer-Alerts