THE I-R-S HAS RELEASED A STATEMENT WARNING THE PUBLIC ABOUT A TELEPHONE SCAM. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE I-R-S, SAYS THE SCAMMERS TARGET PEOPLE WITH FOREIGN SOUNDING LAST NAMES, USUALLY SOUTH ASIAN OR INDIAN NAMES. THE VICTIMS ARE CALLED BY SOMEONE POSING AS AN I-R-S AGENT, WHO DEMANDS MONEY BE WIRED TO THEM TO PREVENT A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION. THE I-R-S SAYS ALL OF ITS INITIAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE DONE BY MAIL, AND URGES THE PUBLIC TO ASK FOR BADGE NUMBERS IF CONTACTED. BADGE NUMBERS CAN BE VERIFIED AT 800 829 1040
