Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is sounding the alarm on a scam targeting residents and businesses through fraudulent debt collection letters.
The deceptive letters falsely represent themselves as originating from the State of Michigan and aim to collect outstanding debts owed to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) or the Michigan Department of Treasury.
The scam involves recipients being notified of an overdue state debt and pressured to make immediate payments through a provided toll-free number.
Threats of severe consequences, including bank account seizures, wage garnishments, asset seizures, and property liens, are used to coerce payment. The scammers employ personal information, often found online, to make the letters appear authentic and increase the likelihood of compliance.
It is crucial to recognize that these letters are not legitimate communications from the State of Michigan, UIA, or the Department of Treasury. Genuine letters from the Department of Treasury will be printed on official letterhead, offer various payment options, and outline taxpayer rights.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
