Additional Coverage:
- Authorities issue major warning about a letter scam being sent out to dupe taxpayers (marketrealist.com)
Michigan Taxpayers Beware: “Reminder of Tax Due” Scam Circulating
Lansing, MI – The Michigan Department of Treasury is sounding the alarm about a new scam targeting taxpayers, warning residents to be wary of fake letters demanding contact with bogus toll-free numbers concerning overdue tax payments. This “Reminder of Tax Due” scam is the second such warning issued by the agency in just three months, highlighting a persistent threat from cybercriminals.
These fraudulent letters contain incorrect toll-free numbers designed to connect callers with scammers who aim to steal sensitive personal information or illicitly obtain money. State officials have urged the public to disregard such communications and instead contact the Treasury directly for any inquiries regarding unpaid individual income taxes at their official helpline: 517-636-4486.
This recent alert follows a similar warning in September regarding a scam involving fake text messages that falsely claimed to be from the Treasury Department about tax refunds. In that scheme, scammers sent “urgent, unsolicited messages” suggesting a refund had been processed and that accurate payment information was required to prevent forfeiture of the payment.
Katina Litterini, who oversees Treasury’s Tax Administration Services Bureau, emphasized the importance of vigilance. “This scam is just another trick in the cybercriminal playbook.
Taxpayers who receive this bogus text message should immediately delete it,” Litterini stated in a release. “If you have questions about an outstanding refund, taxes owed, or another state tax issue, please contact us so we can log the scam and discuss your options.”
The Michigan Department of Treasury reiterates that it always corresponds with taxpayers through official letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
The IRS has also issued multiple warnings about a surge in tax scams, particularly as tax filing season approaches. The federal agency advises taxpayers to ignore suspicious emails, attachments, and links from parties claiming to be IRS officials or from any other department. The IRS clarifies that its initial contact with taxpayers is typically through paper bills sent via mail, with agents only resorting to calls or in-person visits in rare or special circumstances.
Anyone who suspects they have received a fraudulent message, email, or call should report it to the IRS. This can be done by saving or recording the communication and emailing it to [email protected] with “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line, followed by reporting the call to the Federal Trade Commission. Crucially, individuals should not click any links or attachments, reply to the sender, or take any action that could put them at risk.