DATCP warns of resurgence of fake IRS calls

MADISON, Wis. — State officials are warning people to be vigilant after a resurgence of scam calls telling victims that they owe back taxes to the IRS.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said the scammers pose as IRS agents and tell people they owe back taxes that must be immediately repaid over the phone.

Department of Revenue officials said several callers have received the fake phone calls that appear to be coming from the department’s Milwaukee office, but they have not made and do not make such calls.

“Any phone call or email from someone claiming to be the DOR should be an immediate red flag. Do not give these fraudsters any information,” Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Chandler said in a news release. The department will contact taxpayers about their accounts by mail, he said.

Officials said anyone who receives a phone call from someone claiming to work for the IRS or the revenue department should hang up.

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