THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE IS WARNING RESIDENTS OF AN INCREASE IN I-R-S PHONE SCAMMERS. OFFICIALS SAY THE SCAMMERS CLAIM TO BE FROM THE I-R-S AND DEMAND PAYMENT FOR TAX PENALTIES BY PHONE. THERE ARE ALSO REPORTS OF AUTOMATED CALLS WITH A FAKE CALLER I-D FROM WASHINGTON. RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THE I-R-S NEVER TAKES PAYMENTS OVER THE PHONE, AND IF CONTACTED THE CALL SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE I-R-S OR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.
