The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain vigilant after reports of phone scams involving callers pretending to represent the Internal Revenue Service.

Authorities say scammers often contact victims by phone and demand immediate payment, sometimes requesting payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Officials emphasize that the IRS does not operate this way. The IRS does not call to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest or law enforcement action over the phone, or request payment without first sending an official notice through the mail.

Residents who receive suspicious calls are urged not to provide personal or financial information. Instead, they should hang up immediately and report the call to the IRS or the Federal Trade Commission.

The sheriff’s office encourages residents to learn more about how the IRS typically contacts taxpayers by visiting the IRS website.