Treasurer cautions tax preparers, taxpayers to be alert for scams
Michigan’s taxpayers and tax preparers should be extra vigilant for federal stimulus scams, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
With many taxpayers receiving federal stimulus checks directly deposited into their banking accounts, scammers are boosting their phishing attempts and phone scams to obtain personally identifiable information.
In the latest round of reports, scammers are targeting taxpayers and tax preparers in an attempt to change direct deposit information so they can intercept federal checks.
“Taxpayers and tax preparers must be vigilant for direct deposit scams,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “It’s bad enough when a single taxpayer is targeted. When tax preparers are also targeted, the personal information of many individual taxpayers could be disclosed all at once. Please be extra vigilant for scams during this unprecedented time.”
In reported cases, scammers are asking taxpayers or tax preparers to verify banking information through a phone call or are asking individuals to click on a link that goes to a fake website, where an unsuspecting victim submits personally identifiable information to a criminal.
Taxpayers or tax preparers can report attempted phishing attempts to the Internal Revenue Service at phishing@irs.gov.
As a part of the federal stimulus package, the federal government is directly depositing stimulus checks to many taxpayers based on 2018 and 2019 tax year information from the IRS.
The Michigan Department of Treasury does not administer the federal stimulus program or have information regarding federal stimulus checks. Questions about the federal stimulus program should be directed to the IRS at 1.800.829.1040.
Turning Point issues COVID-19 statement
Turning Point has issued the following statement from President and CEO Sharman Davenport about operating under COVID-19 restrictions:
“In these uncertain times, survivors are particularly dependent on our services. People living in our shelter and those who are seeking our support have already faced domestic violence or sexual assault issues. That, compounded with coronavirus restrictions, makes for a challenging situation. We want to assure the community that we will continue to provide these essential services,” said Davenport.
In addition to maintaining a 24/7 schedule at its shelter, Turning Point will also provide the following services throughout any lockdowns, travel restrictions, or social distancing:
• 24-hour hotline available for support, resources, and safety planning 586-463-6990
• Counseling services to survivors and their loved ones are available 586-463-4430
• The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program remains available 24/7 by contacting our 24-hour hotline.
• The Personal Protection Order (PPO) Office is assisting in the filing of PPOs and PPO related motions via phone. Messages left on 586.469.7494 will be returned in the order they are received.
Turning Point, based in Mt. Clemens, provides emergency, support and prevention services for domestic and sexual violence survivors.
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