WASHINGTON — Following the emergence of variations of widespread tax scams, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning to taxpayers to remain on high alert and protect themselves against the ever-evolving array of deceitful tactics scammers use to trick people, according to an IRS press release.

These schemes — which can occur over the phone, in emails or through letters with authentic-looking letterhead — try to trick taxpayers into providing personal financial information or scare people into making a false tax payment that ends up with the criminal.

In a new variation, scammers alter what appears on your telephone caller ID to make it seem like they are with the IRS or another agency such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The release states that the IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. The agency does not threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.