The Sequim Police Department last week sent out a warning that residents should be aware of tax scam phone calls this time of year, with callers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and demanding payment for money owed.

“Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams,” police officials noted. “Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, and email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.”

Residents who receive a call they suspect is a scam should not give any personal information and hang up. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has set up an online blog where consumers can report phone scams; go to atg.wa.gov and search on “phone scams.” The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information, police officials said. Get tips for how to recognize the telltale signs of a scam at tinyurl.com/SEQtaxscam.