Residents report new phone scam

LANCASTER – There have multiple reports of residents receiving phone scams claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service over the past four months.

Lancaster police reported a loss of between $400 and $1,600 for those who have fallen victim to the scam when a fake IRS agent tells the victim that he or she owes money. They are then ordered to go purchase a money order or prepaid debit card to make the payment.

Most of the calls are originating outside the U.S., police reported. If a call sounds suspicious or if someone is asking for a money order or other form of payment over the phone, contact the Lancaster Police Department at 740-687-6683.