Treasury Department helping taxpayers prevent identity theft

ALPENA, Mich. — If you’ve gotten a letter from the Michigan Department of Treasury this tax season, it may be in efforts to protect your identity.

Michigan taxpayers who have filed a return may receive a letter asking them for more information before processing their tax returns. The letters are meant to protect residents from cyber criminals who attempt to file returns on other people’s behalf, then steal their refunds. If you do receive a letter, you’ll need to take a short quiz online or submit the appropriate paperwork before your return will be issued.

Since 2016, increased security measures by the State of Michigan have protected more than 5,000 taxpayers who’ve had their identity stolen, and prevented more than $19,000 from being distributed to scammers.

To learn more about identity theft, visit www.michigan.gov/identitytheft.