Malibu locals have shared on social media a recent frequency of IRS scam phone calls. The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station has recently fielded five calls related to IRS scams. Typically, the scammer will cold call a household claiming to be a part of the IRS. They may even change their caller ID information so it looks like they are from the organization. The scammer may demand money or personal information from you in a variety of ways.
Regardless of whatever information they may attempt to gainfrom, sheriff’s official Kristen Deschino warned, do not give them any information. The IRS website states that they will never call citizens by phone. They only contact citizens by mail.
“If you happen to receive a phone call from someone claiming to work for IRS, who later asks for or demands money, possibly in the form of gift cards, your credit card number, etc., DO NOT pay them!” Deschino wrote in a warning to Malibu residents.
The IRS asks that citizens report scam calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800.366.4484 or at tigta.gov. Those concerned they may owe unpaid taxes, can contact the IRS at 800.829.1040.