Officials Warn Residents Of IRS Scams During Tax Season
By Kristen Johanson
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa., (CBS) -- It's tax season, and that means scammers are phishing for personal information. Congressman Pat Meehan held a press conference Monday about how to stop the cons in their tracks.
Local towns like Ridley Township in Delaware County have seen an increase in fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be from the IRS. Meehan says if it sounds fishy, it probably is.
"What we have to do is pay attention, so that we're smart and we are the best protectors of own welfare by using common sense. And whenever there is a question contact the IRS," said Meehan.
He says if you do get a phone call, don't give out any personal information instead try to get their name and phone number, and then forward it to your police department. Meehan says no IRS officials will call for a quick payment over the phone or by email.
"Don't open the email, take the email itself that is unopened, you may forward that email to the IRS as well, so they can figure out who the scammers are," said Meehan.