IRS Scam Alert Targeting Rockland County Residents

By Idy Perl

District Attorney Tom Walsh is warning the public about an IRS scam that has been targeting Rockland County residents.

Scammers are sending text messages claiming to be the IRS saying that taxpayers are eligible for a $1,400 economic impact statement. The text message comes from a Hotmail address and includes a link to a nonexistent website.

Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS never initiates contact by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. The agency may call to set up a meeting, but will never ask for personal information, mainly because as the IRS, they already have it.

Authorities urge taxpayers to look out for scam messages appearing to be from the IRS, since they will be more common as tax season gets into full swing.