WILMINGTON — “Please speak with friends and family members and urge them not to make payments to people demanding money over the phone even if it appears to be a local number,” Wilmington Mayor John Stanforth posted on the mayor’s Facebook page Tuesday.

“If they do believe it’s a viable debt, ask the caller to send an invoice or statement for payment and don’t give out your credit card number or other personal information over the phone. The Wilmington Police Department will NOT call you and ask for payment of a debt or your credit card information.

“Also, since it’s also tax season, please remember that the IRS will NOT call, text, or email you demanding payment. They also will NOT:

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. (Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.)

• Demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. You should also be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.

• Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying.

• The IRS also cannot revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.”

Visit the IRS’ webpage “How to know it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on your door” at http://bit.ly/2ByZy5m .