America March 03, 2014: A group of scammers impersonating IRS officials is targeting Hindu and South Asian Americans.  They have received phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the IRS or law enforcement.  The callers generally state that the IRS has assessed tax penalties against the victim.  The victim is asked to pay a settlement with the IRS to avoid further legal and financial penalties.  In some cases, the victims are repeatedly harassed and threatened with imprisonment.

1. DO NOT provide the caller with any personal or financial information or make arrangements for payment.
2. Collect the number you were called from, as well as the scammer’s name, the agency he claims to represent, and the amount and method of payment demanded.
3. Call the IRS Helpline at 800-829-1040 to assess if there is an actual situation.