Treasury: Be Alert for Text Message Phishing Scam Making the Rounds

Cybercriminals are up to new tricks with a new nationwide text message scam now circulating in Michigan that requests taxpayers' personal banking information, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

In this latest scheme, scammers send urgent, unsolicited messages that appear to come from the Michigan Department of Treasury. The message falsely claims that a refund has been processed and that accurate payment information must be submitted by the taxpayer-or the refund will be forfeited.

The Michigan Department of Treasury never sends unsolicited text messages asking for personal data like banking information. Taxpayers who receive such messages should not reply or click on any links.

"This scam is just another trick in the cybercriminal playbook," said Katina Litterini, who oversees Treasury's Tax Administration Services Bureau. "Taxpayers who receive this bogus text message should immediately delete it. If you have questions about an outstanding refund, taxes owed or another state tax issue, please contact us so we can log the scam and discuss your options."

The Michigan Department of Treasury corresponds with taxpayers through official letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service.

Taxpayers who receive this unsolicited text message or have questions about their state individual income taxes should call Treasury's Individual Income Tax Information Line at 517-636-4486. A customer service representative can log the scam and verify outstanding refunds, if available.

To learn more about Michigan's taxes, go to https://www.michigan.gov/taxes