IRS warns taxpayers to use caution ahead of tax deadline

The IRS issued a warning on Wednesday that scammers are stepping up their game ahead of the April 18 tax deadline.

While there are a variety of tactics criminals use to get personal information, the IRS said three scams this year top the list.

Soliciting W-2 information from payroll and human resources professionals “Verifying” tax return information over the phone Pretending to be from the tax preparation industry

The IRS said it wants to remind taxpayers that it will never do these things:

Call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.