Telephone Phishing Scam Hits Michigan

The Michigan Department of Treasury has a warning for tax payers. Fraudulent phone phishing is targeting residents this tax season.

Tax payers are called from a number that registers as the Department of Treasury and are informed that they have committed tax fraud. The impersonators then threaten that if the resident does not pay the “amount due” immediately, they will go to prison.

The Department of Treasury does not have the authority to demand immediate payment without first sending out a letter. They will also not require immediate over-the-phone payment using a prepaid debit card or threaten to call the police.

Remember, avoid communicating private information like social security numbers or bank account numbers over the phone. For more information about phone scams and how to avoid them, please visit: Press and Guide’s article or www.irs.gov.