Police warn of ongoing IRS phone scams

HOUGHTON — IRS phone scams continue to persist as tax season nears its end.

The Houghton Police Department is warning the public of callers identifying themselves as police officers that are working on behalf of the IRS. The scammers proceed by telling the victims they will be arrested if they don’t pay the IRS for back taxes. Victims are told to send money via MoneyGram or Western Union.

The IRS will never contact people in this manner over the telephone, nor do they use the police to collect delinquent taxes. If you receive a phone call or threat like this, you should contact your local authorities. Houghton Police added that this is just one of many scams involving the IRS and urge the public to be cautious when providing personal information.