Oklahoma AG Warns Against IRS Phone Scam

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt is warning against a phone scam that's making its way across the state.

The Attorney General's Office said it has received a number of complaints from citizens who received phone calls from someone claiming to be a representative of the IRS.

The caller claims the IRS has a case against an individual and if he or she did not contact the number given within 24 hours, that person would be arrested. This particular scam targets the most vulnerable Oklahomans who may not readily be aware of the IRS's procedures.

“It is beyond frustrating that scams like this continue to be rampant. Unfortunately, we typically see these types of scams spike during the holidays. While this is meant to be a season of celebration, Oklahomans should keep their guard up to protect themselves from such crimes,” Attorney General Pruitt said. “A simple tip you should always remember, the IRS will never call about a payment or taxes owed without sending it in writing first.”

The AG's office offered the following tips to protect you from these types of scams:

- The IRS will always notify you in writing first. They will never contact you by phone without first mailing you a bill.

- You will never be required to use a specific payment method.

- Never give your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

- You will not be threatened with being arrested by local law enforcement for not paying.

If you have been a victim of a scam, report the incident to local law enforcement and to the AG's Office immediately. For more tips from the IRS you can visit their website at irs.gov.

If you have a question about a possible scam, contact the AG's Public Protection Unit at (405)-521-2029, (918)-581-2885, by e-mail at public.protection@oag.ok.govor file a complaint online at www.ok.gov/oag.