LANSING, Mich. — 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, the Treasury says taxpayers receive a letter about an overdue tax bill, asking individuals to immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve an outstanding state tax debt. The letter aggressively threatens to seize a taxpayer’s property -- including bank accounts, wages, business assets, cars, real estate and cash -- if the debt is not settled.
“Over the last week, we have seen an uptick in reports of taxpayers receiving these letters,” said Deputy State Treasurer Ann Good, who oversees Treasury’s Financial and Administrative Services programs.
The Treasury said the fake letter that scammers are sending appears credible because it uses specific personal facts pulled directly from public information.
The state Treasury Department corresponds with taxpayers through official letters that use state of Michigan letterhead that embody both the names of the governor and state treasurer.
Taxpayers who receive a letter from a scammer or have questions about their state debts should call Treasury’s Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265. A customer service representative can log the scam, verify outstanding state debts and provide flexible payment options.
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