At least two customers of a Watseka bank have reported they were contacted by phone and threatened that they owe federal back-taxes. The caller tries to get victims to pay up or they'd be arrested within the hour.

Watseka Police Chief Roger Lebeck warns the public the scammers are using common practice to get victims to turn over personal information, but the chief says that's not how it works. His advice to people getting such calls ? Hang up and contact local authorities. Don't become a victim.

Scammers are using a scare tactic to try to get people to pay. Authorities say certified mail, advising of a court date, is how any such notices would ever alert the public. People are not arrested for non-payment by police.

Iroquois County Sheriff's Police have also received similar complaints.

94.1 WGFA