The IRS has recently warned students, parents and teachers to stay alert to IRS scammers. Typically, these scammers are attempting to swindle taxpayers into paying non-existent taxes, like the Federal Student Tax.

IRS commissioner John Koskinen warned that though IRS scammers call year-round, they find prime time to strike. Scammers have to switch up their tactics and use a variety of methods to continually fool taxpayers into giving money or their personal information.

This time around, scammers are altering their caller ID to make it seem like either the IRS, a local police station, or another authority is calling. Some are demanding payment via prepaid debit card or even iTunes gift cards. The IRS does not take payments via iTunes gift cards. They may also claim they need to “verify” your tax information.

“You should never share your private information over the phone unless you are absolutely sure who you are talking to,” Jackson County Sheriff, Tim Morse.

Keep in mind that the IRS will not ask for a specific type of payment or tender.

“The IRS will send you letters before they call you. On most occasions, you would know if they were going to call you,” said Jamie McEwen, student employment Coordinator.

The IRS is a government entity, so they will never threaten to send local law enforcement if you do not immediately pay. The IRS will never demand that you pay takes without giving you the opportunity to ask questions and gain additional information. They will never ask for your credit card or bank information over the phone either.

“Just hang up. You don’t have to engage them,” McEwen said.

If you receive a call from an IRS impersonator, make sure that you hang up immediately. Afterwards, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov.