LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Michigan taxpayers with past-due tax debts should be wary of an aggressive scam making the rounds through the U.S. Postal Service, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Officials say the aggressive letters threaten to seize property and social security benefits if the taxpayer's state tax debt is not resolved.
As part of the scheme, taxpayers received what appears to be a federal-looking letter about an overdue tax bill, asking the target to immediately call a toll-free number to settle their state tax debt.
The letter appears legitimate because it uses specific personal facts about the outstanding tax debt pulled directly from publicly available information.
“Scammers are going back to the basics to trick taxpayers,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Taxpayers have rights. If you have questions about an outstanding state debt, please don’t hesitate to contact us through the number listed on our website so we can talk about options.”
Keep in mind, the Treasury Department will provide you with several options to resolve unpaid debts and also outline your taxpayer rights.
If you believe you've received a letter from a scammer or have questions about your state debts call the Treasury's Collections Service Center at (516) 636-5265.
For more information about Michigan's taxes and collections process, click here.
