THOMASVILLE — With the Internal Revenue Service tax deadline about two weeks away, those who have not paid their 2016 taxes — and those who have — are perplexed about IRS calls saying they owe money.

“IRS scams are in full swing,” Capt. Steven Jones, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, said.

Jones received three IRS scam phone calls in one day on his personal phone.

“Beware of any phone calls allegedly from the IRS,” Jones said. “They are a scam.”

Jones warned that anyone receiving a call should not reply or provide any information or money orders, money grams or any other form of payment to anyone saying they are with the IRS.

The IRS communicates via mail, not phone calls.

“If you have any contact from anyone saying they are from the IRS, hang up,” Jones advised.

The officer said those with doubts about an IRS attempt to reach them should go to the IRS website, locate a phone number and call the IRS.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820