Phone scammers claiming to be from the Minnesota Department of Revenue are calling people telling them they owe the state money and must pay immediately or face police.

"The scammers tell customers they owe the state money and must pay it immediately by credit card or money order, or the police will be sent to their home," the Minnesota Department of Revenue said Tuesday.

The department said it never calls to seek payment from someone without first contacting them by mail. It also doesn't require Minnesotans to provide payment or credit card information over the phone or threaten to send the cops.

Citizens can call the department with questions or concerns at (651) 296-3781 or (800) 652-9094.