IRS received 90,000 complaints of con artists posing as agents

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The IRS released staggering numbers on Wednesday, showing that 90,000 complaints were received about con artists posing as IRS agents.

Victims who came forward have lost a total of $5 million.

7 On Your Side reported about many Bay Area residents who received menacing phone calls. Scammers claiming to be IRS agents tell victims they owe thousands of dollars in back taxes and they are about to be arrested.

The con artists demand immediate payment with a pre-loaded debit card.

The IRS said 1,100 victims were duped into sending money and that if someone receives such a call, they should hang up and report it.