LAGRANGE COUNTY, Ind. (WOWO): LaGrange County Dispatchers have once again seen an increase in the amount of calls regarding an IRS scam.

Police say residents are receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS. The scammers then tell would-be victims that they owe money and that they must pay what they owe immediately.

They may also tell them that they are entitled to a large refund. LaGrange County police say this is a scam and they are encouraging you to follow the tips posted to below, to avoid becoming a victim of this scam:

•The IRS will first contact you by mail if you owe taxes, not by phone.

•The IRS never asks for credit, debit or prepaid card information over the phone.

•The IRS never insists that you use a specific payment method to pay your tax.

•The IRS never requests immediate payment over the telephone.

•The IRS will always treat you professionally and courteously.