BULLHEAD CITY–A phone call circling around the Internal Revenue Service has come to the attention of the Bullhead City Police Department, who want to let you know it’s a scam.

Victims nationwide have reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and stating they owe taxes, said Emily Fromelt, spokeswoman for Bullhead City Police Department.

The scammers threaten those who refuse to pay with arrest/warrant, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license, she said.

According to the Treasury Inspector General for Taxpayer Administration, the IRS usually first contacts people by mail – not by phone – about unpaid taxes. And, the IRS won’t ask for payment using a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer and does not ask for a credit card number over the phone.

“The Bullhead City Police Department would like to remind residents to never give out personal or bank information over the phone, internet or by mail unless you initiated the contact with the person or company,” said Fromelt. “Simply hang up and call the number you know to be legitimate.”

Futhermore, said Fromelt, residents need to be aware of ‘phishing’ scams, where someone pretends to be from a legitimate organization and asks for personal information for verification purposes.

To report a phone scam, contact your local law enforcement agency.