Warning on tax help calls

Whitman County Treasurer Bob Lothspeich and Assessor Joe Reynolds each reported they received alerts from the state Department of Revenue last Wednesday about a telemarketing scheme.

Callers from a fictitious agency offer help in obtaining tax breaks for seniors and request personal information like employment status, income and age for tax relief programs. The callers indicate they are acting on behalf of the state, Lothspeich said. He pointed out state and county officials do not initiate calls to help residents obtain tax breaks....