Several residents have reported that they have received these scam telephone calls this week.
The scammers tell residents they are entitled to tax big refunds, or that they owe money that must be paid immediately to the IRS. When unsuccessful the first time, sometimes phone scammers call back trying a new strategy.
Please be advised that the IRS does not generally communicate with taxpayers by telephone. If they do, it is only after first sending correspondence by US mail. Also, legitimate IRS representatives NEVER asks for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone.
If you receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, simply hang up the telephone.
Please DO NOT provide the caller with any personal information such as your date of birth or your social security number, and NEVER give banking information or credit or debit card numbers to them.
If you received a call like this and have provided the caller with personal or banking information, please call the police department (413-259-3000) so that we may assist you in resolving the issue.
For information on this scam, click on this link:
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Reiterates-Warning-of-Pervasive-Telephone-Scam
For information on other IRS scams, please visit their web site at www.IRS.gov.