HELENA — Montana officials warn that scammers are sending email messages to people in and out of the state claiming they owe money to the state Department of Revenue.

Revenue Director Mike Kadas said in a statement Thursday he considers the messages to be a threat to the public that could potentially harm computer systems and steal personal and financial information.

He says the email messages arrive with different subject lines, one of which claims the recipient owes money to the department.

The revenue department became aware of the scam Thursday after people began calling about the messages they received.

Officials say its notifications are sent through the U.S. Postal Service on revenue department letterhead.