Treasury: Collection Scam Targets Michigan Residents With Fake Letters

MICHIGAN (PATCH) — Michigan taxpayers with past-due tax debts should be aware of an aggressive scam that's making the rounds through the U.S. Postal Service, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury).

In the scheme, taxpayers receive what appears to be a government-looking letter about an overdue tax bill, asking individuals to immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve a state tax debt. The letter aggressively threatens to seize a taxpayer's assets ― including property and Social Security benefits ― if the state tax debt is not settled.

"This is a tricky scam that's been reported throughout the state over the past year," said Deputy State Treasurer Ann Good, who oversees Treasury's Financial and Administrative Services programs. "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."

The piece of correspondence appears credible to the taxpayer because it uses specific personal facts about their real outstanding tax debt that's pulled directly from publicly available information. The scammer's letter attempts to lure the taxpayer into a situation where they could make a payment to a criminal.

For the complete story, visit here.