The Washington State Department of Revenue has received reports that taxpayers have received automated phone messages from a party that identifies itself as the Department of Revenue.

The phone message directs businesses to call a 1-800 number and have their tax numbers ready. When the call is made, a recording says the number has changed and directs the caller to call an international number beginning with the digits 101 for which charges apply.

The Department will never ask taxpayers to call an international number, nor will it impose fees for calling. If you receive a call such as this, hang up and contact the Department at 1-800-647-7706. The Department has contacted authorities to investigate this problem.

Be aware that Department agents do contact taxpayers by phone on overdue accounts, and they do leave messages asking taxpayers to call a toll-free number, 1-800-631-4028. Such calls are legitimate.