Iowa City Police warn about tax season scams

IOWA CITY - Iowa City police are warning residents about potential tax scams.

Iowa City police Sgt. Scott Gaarde said that during tax season, scammers will sometimes impersonate Internal Revenue Service officials. Gaarde said IRS officials will never:

- Call to demand payment over the phone.

- Call about taxes before mailing a bill.

- Threaten arrest over non-payment.

- Demand payment without you having the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owned.

- Require a specific payment method.

- Ask for credit card information over the phone.

Gaarde said if anyone receives a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, they should not give them any information and hang up immediately. Potential scams should be reported to the Treasury Inspector General Tax Administration by calling 1-800-366-4484 and to the Federal Trade Commission.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com