Internal Revenue Service

A Rock Springs CPA who pleaded guilty in March to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns has been sentenced to 120 days in federal prison.

Taxpayers found to be committing fraud may be subject to penalties including payment of taxes owed plus interest, fines and jail time.

Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.

The good news is the IRS can't audit you right now, but the bad news is that your refund may be delayed.

Federal Judge Scott Skavdahl ordered Ashley Knight and James Knight II to pay restitution of $374,970 plus any penalties and interest to the Internal Revenue Service.

If found guilty, each of the two charges could result in five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Knight's attorney declined comment.

The callers may know the last four numbers of your social security number.

Con artists posing as Internal Revenue Service agents are calling people up and demanding immediate payment of supposed back taxes, according to Dick Blust of the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Department

IRS spokeswoman Karen Connelly said identity theft may not have the drama of robbery, but the financial pain can be greater.

Casper Police Sgt. Mike Ogden urges people to not give money over the phone, nor buy green dot cars or other types of gift cars to pay bogus fees or fines.