LANSING, Mich. — If you have past due tax debts, this mail scam may be targeting you.
Northern Michigan taxpayers with past due tax debts should be aware of an aggressive scam coming through the U.S. Postal Service, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Recently, an Emmet County taxpayer received what appeared to be an official looking letter about an overdue tax bill. The letter asked the individual to immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve their outstanding state tax debt. Otherwise, the taxpayer's possessions would be taken such as property, bank accounts and income.
The fraudulent letter contains personal facts about the taxpayer outstanding debt, which is pulled directly from available public information. The goal of the letter is to put individuals in a conflicting situation, making them pay false payments to the criminal.
The state Treasury Department communicates taxpayers through official letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service, providing several options to resolve an outstanding debt and information summarizing taxpayers rights.
“Please don’t fall victim to this terrible scam,” says State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Taxpayers have rights. If you have questions about an outstanding state tax debt, please contact us through a verified number so we can talk about options.”
If you have received a letter from a scammer or have any questions about your state debts, contact the Treasury's Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265.
