From the Reno Police Department:Â
Over the last several weeks Reno Police Dispatchers have received a large volume of calls from citizens who have been receiving fake calls from IRS agents. Â
In the most recent version of this scam, the "IRS agent" informs citizens that they are being sued for unpaid taxes. The fake IRS representative may give the citizen a fake badge number and name, and then they will try to pressure you into paying a fee by using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If you don't pay up immediately, the "IRS agent" will say they will sign a warrant for your arrest, and have authorities come to your house.
The Reno Police Department encourages anyone receiving these types of calls to not ever provide any credit card, debit card, or bank information no matter how much the caller threatens you.
How to Spot an IRS Scam:
Here are some ways to spot a fake IRS agent.
1. Be wary if you are being asked to act immediately. Scammers typically try to push you into action before you have had time to think. The IRS will give you the chance to question or appeal what you owe.
 2. The IRS doesn't call, text or email. The IRS won't call about payment or overdue taxes without first contacting you by mail.
 3. Don't wire money or use a prepaid debit card. Scammers often pressure people into wiring money or using a prepaid debit card. It's like sending cash: once it's gone, you can't trace it. The IRS says it will never demand immediate payment, require a specific form of payment, or ask for credit card or debt card numbers over the phone.
4. If you owe taxes or you think you might, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or irs.gov. IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue, if there is an issue.
 5. If you know you don't owe taxes. Report the incident to the Department of the Treasury at 800-366-4484.
The Reno Police Department encourages concerned citizens to go to the IRS website at irs.gov to learn more about scams and report suspicious activity.
From the Reno Police DepartmentÂ
