Like a bad penny, the IRS scam has turned up once again in Cherokee County.

We’ve received a number of reports that someone claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service has called and threatened the intended victim with arrest, if they don’t immediately pay their so-called “tax debt” to the IRS.

Let’s just get this part out of the way now: It’s a scam.

#1 – The IRS doesn’t work that way; if there is an actual issue with your tax returns you will be notified by mail – NEVER by phone.

#2 – The IRS doesn’t threaten you by saying “a law enforcement official is now on his way.” there now

#3 – They do NOT ask for payment over the phone, period.

That includes asking for a credit or debit card; nor do they ask for banking information; and they certainly never tell you to buy a pre-paid card and give them the account number.

The people calling are NOT with the IRS.

They have no power over you.

They can’t do anything to you.

All you have to do to win in this situation is – hang up.