IRS: Actually, that breach last year was way worse than we thought

Additionally, the IRS is placing extra scrutiny on tax returns that taxpayers’ Social Security numbers and sharing information about the attack with state tax officials. Tax scams can happen any time of year, not just at tax time.

Don’t give in to the temptation to say you donated more to charity than you really did previous year, inflate your gambling losses, or claim some personal expenses as business expenses.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued this Consumer Alert to, once again, warn Arkansans of this scam and offer tips to recognize it, before falling victim to these criminals.

They may also leave “urgent” callback requests through phone “robo-calls”, or via a “phishing” email that is trying to get personalized banking information.

“These particular callers have been pretty bad, they get really hateful, threatening and bully-ish and that can be pretty scary for some people”, he said. They con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.

If you receive a call do not provide any type of payment or financial information.

The Greenville Police Department has been receiving multiple reports about an IRS scam. If you know you owe or think you may owe tax, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

Suspicious calls should be reported to police through the online reporting system at www.naperville.il.us/policeonlinereports.aspx; or by calling the non-emergency telephone number, 630-420-6666.

Bartlett Police Department is warning citizens about an IRS scam.

When you get the call, the “IRS agent” on the other end will claim that you have unpaid taxes. It will not threaten to have police or other agencies come and arrest a person.

Detective Sgt. Thomas Hennessy said he received message on his answering machine from someone claiming to be an IRS representative, who said he would be sued unless he paid back taxes that were purportedly owed.

Report it to the Federal Trade Commission.