Police are warning New Yorkers about scammers during tax season.

They say residents should beware of people calling and saying they are state and federal treasury officials.

The scammers have told residents they must disclose bank account and Social Security information or pay tax penalties directly to the imposters.

Lawrence Willows, of New City, says he received calls from scammers at home and at his store, Vanderbuilt Hardware. Willows says he disregarded all of them, despite the third call that threatened jail time.

Clarkstown police say part of the problem is that scammers are masking their numbers so it appears as if the IRS is actually calling.

Police advise residents never to give out personal information, and say if you think you are being scammed to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.



They say that the IRS will never call or email, demand you pay taxes without question, ask for personal information over the phone or threaten to have you arrested.