Unsolicited phone scams are becoming more prevalent. Scammers posing as the IRS, a grandchild, court system, lottery board, etc. demand money over the telephone usually by wire transfer or gift cards. The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) warns consumers not to be fooled into thinking that these calls demanding money, even if in exchange for greater lottery winnings, are legitimate. Consumers should hang up and search for the legitimate consumer line associated with the purported agency to determine if the IRS, court system, lottery board, etc. has in fact tried to contact them. Consumers should not give personal information to these unsolicited callers and not send any money. IRS scams should be reported to the US Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Grandparent and lottery scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. If you have already sent money to any scammers, you can file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection who can then assist you with processing the claim with the FBI or policy. For additional information or to file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection, please click on the appropriate link below.