Officials warning taxpayers about a letter scam in Michigan

MICHIGAN — The Michigan Department of Treasury is warning taxpayers about a fake collection letters scam happening now.

Taxpayers get a letter in the mail about an overdue tax bill that asks them to call a toll-free number to resolve an outstanding tax debt. The letter threatens to seize property and Social Security benefits if the debt is not settled. The letter looks credible because it uses specific personal facts that are pulled directly from publicly available information

“This is a tricky scam that has been reported throughout the state,” 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 letter attempts to lure the taxpayer into a situation where they could make a payment to a criminal.

The state Treasury Department corresponds with taxpayers through official letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service, providing several options to resolve an outstanding debt and information outlining taxpayer rights.

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.