Local law enforcement entities are urging caution in a scam, which involves callers claiming to be from the IRS.

In a message posted on the Albert Lea Police Department’s Facebook page Wednesday, police said a Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office deputy and a spouse of an officer had received calls from people claiming to the from the IRS.

“The calls involved asking for verification of your Social Security number, asking for personal information such as address, date of birth, etc.,” the statement read. “They will claim prosecution and jail time for failing to pay taxes or mistakes in your tax returns. They will solicit payment from you. Please do not become a victim. This is an obvious scam. For some this would be obvious, but these people are very persistent and may sound legitimate.”

Police urged the message be forwarded to friends, and family, especially elderly family members.