That threatening call? It's not the IRS

Have you received a threatening phone call from the Internal Revenue Service? It's likely a scam.

Because it is tax season, in the last week, Denver7 has received a sharp increase in the number of emails and Facebook messages from viewers who have received calls.

Linda Brown said, "I just received a robocall that the IRS is suing me and to call them back."

Another viewer wrote, "I just received a robo call claiming that the IRS is filing a lawsuit against me and asking me to call them back at 509-228-3442 - these jerks should be shutdown!!"

Kelsey got the same automated phone call and wrote to us saying, "I knew it was fraudulent, so I blocked the number. I'm wondering how many people are calling back and giving away personal information. Please spread the word about this scam."

"For the past two days, I have received recorded phone calls stating that I MUST contact the following number immediately regarding an IRS issue," Marianne said. "If I do not, a warrant will be issued for my arrest.  These messages are in a foreign accent and I've had them before, so I know they are a scam.  I fear there are many vulnerable people there who may be frightened into calling this number (it always changes) and giving out their personal information which makes it possible for these scammers to hack into their accounts."

The IRS says they will not require that you pay your taxes a certain way (such as a prepaid debit card), they will not ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone and they will not threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

If you get one of these calls and you don't owe taxes, the IRS says, "Do not give out any information. Hang up immediately."

You can contact TIGTA to report the call. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page or call 800-366-4484.

You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. Write "IRS Telephone Scam" in the notes.

If you know you owe, or think you may owe tax, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 for information, do not talk to the person calling you and don't call them back.