It’s tax season. Did you know that “Americans have lost more than $23 million by giving information” over the telephone to fraudsters posing as IRS agents?

Well, they have, according to U.S. Department of Treasury Inspector General Timothy Camus. And the problem is a pervasive one that has hit the Rumson-Fair Haven area, according to Rumson police in an advisory Facebook post.

In light of the season and a few reports of such attempted scamming in Rumson, police are advising people to be on the alert for these IRS phone scammers.

Three Rumson residents reported getting scam calls from people posing as IRS agents and delving into their personal information to perpetuate fraud.

So, Rumson police shared the above video from Camus to offer tips on how to recognize a fraudster and deal with him or her.

These fraudsters tend to be very aggressive in trying to obtain personal information to bilk people of personal funds and access their bank/credit accounts and other material assets, according to Camus.

The IRS, he says, will always make first make initial contact via mail (paper), never telephone. The scammers have a habit of being extremely aggressive and may even threaten police action or deportation, according to Camus. The IRS will not threaten force, he said.

Just hang up, Camus advised.