Nationwide IRS scam makes its way to New Kent

New Kent County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of a telephone scam where callers on the line are portraying themselves as representatives of the IRS.

According to the report, the scammer will tell the citizen that he/she owes back taxes. The caller then states that if the citizen does not make arrangements to pay a portion of the tax debit, they will be arrested. In some instances, the caller has advised that an agent will be at the citizen’s home to take him/her into custody. The alleged representative will try to intimidate the homeowner to the point that they will wire funds to an address in an attempt to avoid arrest.

New Kent Sheriff’s Office is advising that this scam is sweeping the nation quickly. The calls have been determined to originate outside the United States and funds will eventually leave the country.

The IRS will not call you in reference to any matter involving back taxes. Unpaid taxes are handled by the IRS through the United States Mail or in person.

Anybody with information on these incidents or any other crime in New Kent is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 966-9500 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.