Alert: If Brian King Calls Your Phone, Hang up Immediately

A Hudson Valley couple rushed to the bank after getting an alarming phone call. Luckily, they were stopped by the police before making a costly mistake.

IRS scams aren't new, but Hudson Valley residents are being warned after an especially convincing scammer almost grabbed $4,900 from an elderly couple.

The targets of the rip-off were contacted by someone who claimed to work for the IRS. The caller, identifying himself as Brian King, demanded payment for back taxes. The couple was told to go to the bank and withdraw $4,900 in cash. After they had the money the caller would give them further instructions as to what store they could bring it to so they could send it to him via Western Union.

The convincing scammer told the couple that if they did not send the money within two hours that they would be jailed and sent to Federal court. Luckily, the distraught couple were told by the bank that they should contact the police who assured them that this was just an elaborate scam.

Ellenville Police Chief, Philip S. Mattracion issued the following warning to residents:

The Internal Revenue Service does not operate in this capacity. They will not contact you by phone and demand money. Do not send any monies to anyone calling you by phone, and representing themselves as agents... Take their name, number, where they are located and contact your local police agency immediately.

Have you been contacted by a scammer? How did you handle the situation? We'd like to hear about your experience on our Facebook page.