IRS warns of phone scams

The IRS is warning taxpayers of a phone scam as tax season approaches. Franklin Square resident Hesham Khafaga says he got a call from Washington, D.C. yesterday, from someone claiming to be an IRS

News 12 Staff

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Feb 13, 2014, 5:52 AM

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Updated 3,816 days ago

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The IRS is warning taxpayers of a phone scam as tax season approaches.

Franklin Square resident Hesham Khafaga says he got a call from Washington, D.C. yesterday, from someone claiming to be an IRS detective. Khafaga says he was told a warrant was out for his arrest and he had to pay $600 to have it waived. Khafaga then looked up the phone number online and saw warnings about it. The person later called back and he recorded the call, playing along to get more information.

Nassau DA Kathleen Rice's office says in the past year, it's been aware of about six other complaints similar to this scam.

The IRS says it would never threaten anyone with arrest or revoking immigration status because of a tax bill. IRS officials warn people to not give out any personal information.

Anyone who thinks they've been a victim of this kind of scam is asked to call the police and their district attorney.

For those that receive a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS:

- Anyone that owes federal taxes, or thinks they might owe taxes, should hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

- Anyone that doesn't owe taxes, should report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

- People can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov. Add "IRS Telephone Scam" to the comments in the complaint.

- Scam emails can be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.

For an extended interview on the IRS telephone scams, watch the clip to the left or click News 12 Extra on Optimum TV channel 612.

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