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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The Oakes Police Department is advising those who receive a phone call claiming to be from the IRS to be on-guard.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem reports that numerous warnings have been issued over the last three years on fake IRS calls, but there have been several reports across the state of people falling victim to the cam and losing thousands of dollars. Oakes Police Chief Marke Roberts said Monday that his office has received phone calls from residents regarding calls they have received.

The scam artist pretends to IRS enforcement and claims the only way the victim can avoid being arrested is to pay off an alleged tax debt immediately. The scam normally involves reloadable prepaid cards, but North Dakota victims have reportedly been instructed to buy iTunes or other name gift cards.

Stenehjem and Roberts advise if you receive this call hang up and contact the Attorney General’s office immediately.

“This is a well-known scam. The IRS does not use threatening phone calls to notify taxpayers of potential problems with their tax return,” Stenejem said.

“Unfortunately, this scam is still finding victims. Those victims are at risk for future scams, because the con artists sell a victim’s contact information to other scammers. If you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact my office immediately,” said Stenehjem.

Scam victims should call the Consumer Protection division at 800-472-2600.