February 18, 2009

    LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today warned citizens to be on the look out for scam artists trying to steal personal and financial information during tax season.  The Attorney General's office typically receives an increase in the number of complaints relating to potential tax-related scams during tax season.  Cox advised consumers to be careful before giving out personal information and to report any scam artists to authorities.

    "Tax season can be a stressful time for citizens, especially during these difficult economic times," said Cox.  "I am urging citizens to be on the watch out for thieves trying to steal your identity, and ultimately, your financial security."

    Cox offered the following tips to help consumers avoid tax-related scams:

·         State and federal officials will not request personal information over the phone (such as Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers, or mother's maiden name).

·         State and federal officials will never request personal information by email, so be on the look out for emails that look like they are from the IRS (a scam often referred to as "phishing").

·         Report any misuse of the IRS name, logo, or forms to 1-800-366-4484, and forward any suspicious emails purporting to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov.

·         This year the federal government is not issuing stimulus checks.  Contact authorities if a company is offering information on how to obtain this year's "stimulus check" (not to be confused with a tax rebate check).

·         "Refund Anticipation Loans" might sound enticing, but consumers that file electronically and choose direct deposit typically receive a tax refund (if applicable) within 8 to 15 days (without having to pay any interest on a "Refund Anticipation Loan").

·         Citizens who are facing tax problems should contact a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or IRS-enrolled agent as soon as possible.  If a consumer chooses to use a "tax reduction service," be sure to research the company and read all the fine print before signing any contract.

·         Consumers should contact the Attorney General's office if they encounter a company that acts suspiciously.  The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division can be reached at 1-877-765-8388 or by visiting www.michigan.gov/ag.

     For more information on this subject and to read other consumer alerts published by the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division visit www.michigan.gov/consumeralerts.

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