If the ‘IRS’ calls and asks you for $500 in gift cards to clear your name, it’s a scam, cops say

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is warning residents of an IRS scam in which victims are being asked for money or gift cards in order to clear an outstanding warrant.

A Bradenton woman reported being contacted and told by a caller that she was being investigated for tax fraud and there was a warrant for her arrest, the sheriff’s office announced in a news release Thursday. In order to get the warrant cleared, the victim was told she needed to pay $500 in gift cards.

The victim realized it was a scam, after having already paid the $500 in gift cards, however, and reported it to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office is asking any resident who receives a call asking for money or gift cards, to immediately report it to their local law enforcement agency.

Anyone who would like or has information about this or other scams can call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.

This story was originally published February 8, 2018 at 11:24 AM with the headline "If the ‘IRS’ calls and asks you for $500 in gift cards to clear your name, it’s a scam, cops say."