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The Schenectady Police Department has issued a warning to residents about scams that are prevalent during tax season. Scammers are reportedly impersonating IRS officials and contacting individuals through calls, texts, or emails, falsely claiming that taxes are owed. These scams often involve threats of arrest or demands for immediate payment, sometimes in the form of gift cards.
The IRS has made it clear that they do not request payments via phone, text, or social media. Anyone receiving such communications should be wary and avoid providing personal information or making payments. Residents who suspect they have been targeted by these scams are urged to contact the police.
According to a report by NBC Philadelphia, the IRS has released a "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams for the 2026 season to help taxpayers identify and avoid fraudulent schemes. The list includes common tactics used by scammers to exploit unsuspecting individuals during tax season.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement to protect themselves and their personal information.