Like a bad penny, the IRS scam has turned up once again in northwest Georgia and other areas.

We’ve received a number of reports that someone claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service has called and threatened the intended victim with arrest, if they don’t immediately pay their so-called “tax debt” to the IRS.

Let’s just get this part out of the way now: It’s a scam.

#1 – The IRS doesn’t work that way; if there is an actual issue with your tax returns you will be notified by mail – NEVER by phone.

#2 – The IRS doesn’t threaten you by saying “a law enforcement official is now on his way.” there now

#3 – They do NOT ask for payment over the phone, period.

That includes asking for a credit or debit card; nor do they ask for banking information; and they certainly never tell you to buy a pre-paid card and give them the account number.

The people calling are NOT with the IRS.

They have no power over you.

They can’t do anything to you.