IRS Scam: Police Warn Of 'Threatening' Calls Targeting Elderly

BOSTON (CBS) – Boston police are warning of an aggressive new IRS phone scam that's targeting the elderly.

Authorities said they received several reports on Tuesday that callers claiming to work for the IRS were threatening to arrest seniors for not paying their back taxes.

"While these dangerous and cunning con artists can sound convincing and credible, they are far, far from it," police said. "If you receive such a call, don't allow yourself to get scammed."

Police also put out a list of things that IRS will never do, including:

-Call your home to demand immediate payment of taxes over the phone.
-Ask for credit card information over the phone.
-Demand payment via a specific method like a prepaid debit card.
-Threaten arrest for unpaid taxes.

Officials say anyone who suspects a scam should hang up and call police.