Feb 25, 2016 1 min read

Monessen police are warning residents of the city in Westmoreland County about a telephone scam involving fake IRS representatives who attempt to obtain personal information from people.

Monessen police Chief John Mandarino said Thursday he had received nearly 20 complaints since Tuesday involving the telephone calls.

He said the callers suggest the IRS is proceeding with a lawsuit against those who answer their phones and requests that they call a different number to correct the problem.

Those who have called that number reached a person with a Middle Eastern accent who attempts to obtain bank account information and dates of birth.

“They are persistent and when they don’t get what they want they start insulting people,” Mandarino said.

He said the IRS never calls people when there are issues.