IRS imposter scams are in full force, robbing taxpayers of millions of their hard-earned dollars. Read on to learn how this scam works and how you can avoid getting taken by it.

How it Works:

You get a call from someone claiming to be an IRS employee.

The caller claims you owe a specific amount in taxes, and may threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay immediately.

The call seems legitimate because the caller ID looks like it’s from the IRS, and the caller may even know part of your Social Security number.

What You Should Know

The IRS will never call and demand immediate payment without first sending a notice through the mail.

The IRS will never ask for credit or debit cards over the phone, and will never threaten you with arrest for nonpayment.

What You Should Do

• Don’t press 1 to speak to the operator - this puts you at risk for receiving more calls.

• If a call like this makes you concerned that you may owe taxes, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.

• Call AARP’s helpline for advice at 877-908-3360.

Learn more about this scam and tax identity theft here.

And please share this important alert with your friends and family!

For information about other scams, sign up for AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

You’ll receive free email alerts with tips and resources to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud, and gain access to a network of experts, law enforcement and people in your community who will keep you up to date on the latest scams in your area.

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Editor’s Note: Jim Palmquist, of Macungie, serves as volunteer state president with AARP Pennsylvania.

AARP Fraud Watch Network was launched in 2014 as a free resource for people of all ages.