WESLACO - The IRS issued a warning about fraudulent phone calls as tax season begins.

The agency warned there was a 400 percent spike in fake phone calls and emails in the last couple of years. They said thieves are looking to steal your personal information like passwords and Social Security numbers.

The IRS said thieves have been making these types of call since 2013.

Officials said the callers pretend to be employees of the agency. The fake agents tend to be aggressive, and have threatened to call police if the person doesn’t pay a set amount.

Police said they have tricked more than 10,000 people so far. They’ve gotten away with more than $54 million.

The IRS said their first way of contact is through mail. They will never email or call a person first.  

The agency advised to be suspicious of any phone call or email that asks for money.

Anyone that receives similar calls can contact the Treasury Inspector General at 1-800-366-4484.