By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

A recent string of scams has local law enforcement officials warning the public of suspicious phone calls purportedly from the IRS.

According to Ellis County Sheriff Ed Harbin, the department has been getting reports of people receiving phone calls from someone portraying an IRS official claiming the person owes money.

According to Harbin, the caller scammers threaten people with arrest if they don’t send money.

If you receive one of these calls, Harbin said, most importantly, don’t send any money.

“If somebody gets a call like that, they should call their local law enforcement agency,” he said.

Harbin added a good way to tell if the number is legitimate is to search for it on the Internet. He said if it has already been reported as a scam, it will come up in an Internet search.

Earlier this month, Fort Hays State University reported a number of students have been receiving the same types of phone calls and FHSU’s Financial Assistance Office has sent out an email warning students not to field these calls, and instead contact the police immediately.