Authorities are warning area residents of a scam that’s circulating in downstate Illinois. Those claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service are calling residents and telling them that they owe extra or new taxes and that the bill must be paid immediately before the call ends. Folks should remember that the IRS never contacts taxpayers by telephone, but only by mail. Do not fall for this scam demanding payments at once. If such a call is received, residents should simply hang up and never give out any personal information to these scammers. More information on how to deal with scammers is available online at www.irs.gov.
