April 9, 2008

            LANSING − Attorney General Mike Cox today issued a new consumer alert as part of his continued effort to protect consumers from identity theft. Scam artists are actively trying to take advantage of Michigan citizens who are applying for the 2008 tax rebate.

            Identity thieves, posing as IRS employees, have already begun calling and emailing consumers about their tax rebates. They are asking people to provide their Social Security numbers, bank account information and other personal information claiming that this information is needed to process rebate checks.

            "My office has worked hard to prosecute identity thieves and educate consumers on how to avoid falling victim to these scams," Cox said. "Unfortunately, scam artists continue to take advantage of any opportunity to obtain personal and financial information from unsuspecting consumers."

            In addition to detailing some of the more common tax rebate scams, the consumer alert seeks to educate consumers about how to prevent identity theft. Cox's alert warns consumers not to provide their Social Security numbers, bank account information or other personal information via email or over the phone to anyone claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS will never ask for this information through email or over the phone.

            This and other consumer alerts are available on the Attorney General's website www.michigan.gov/consumeralerts. If you have been a victim of ID theft and/or want to file a consumer complaint, call the Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-877-765-8388.

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