Police warn of IRS scam

Jasper — Police are warning of several scams hitting area residents again.

The Jasper Police Department reports it is investigating a rash of complaints from citizens regarding calls from individuals purporting to be with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The callers tell the potential victims they must pay a certain amount of money immediately or they will be arrested and jailed.

This type of call is fraudulent. The IRS will never call to collect taxes.

Also, individuals have also reported receiving calls from Publishers Clearing House in which they are asked to send money and their winnings will be sent to them. The scammers tell the individuals they have won a large sum of money but must send money to cover transfer fees, mailing fees, or other fees.

In a legitimate contest, winners will not be asked to send money to cover fees, according to police.

Police also pointed out that many times this scammed money is used to support terrorism, drug-trafficking and other illegal activities.

When in doubt, residents are urged to contact their local law enforcement agency to inquire as to the legitimacy of the calls.