Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging small and medium business owners to be cautious of falling victim to tax scams. The state has seen an increase in scammers targeting entrepreneurs by making threats of legal action, making false promises of tax refunds, and sending fake tax bills. Nessel emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and understanding the common scams that target businesses during tax season.
One common scam that businesses may encounter is W-2 phishing emails or texts, where fraudsters try to obtain sensitive tax information by posing as payroll or HR professionals. Another scam involves fake websites for Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), which can trick businesses into giving out their personal and financial information. To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is advised to only trust websites ending in “.gov” and to be cautious when clicking on links or entering personal information online.
Additionally, businesses may receive calls from individuals claiming to be from the IRS and demanding immediate payment. However, the IRS will never ask for immediate payment over the phone, text or email. If a business believes they have been targeted in a tax scam, they are encouraged to file reports with the IRS and FTC, and contact the FBI if their emails have been compromised. For more information on how to protect your business from tax scams, visit the state of Michigan’s website.
In conclusion, small and medium business owners must stay informed and alert in order to prevent falling victim to tax scams. By being aware of the tactics used by scammers, businesses can protect themselves and their finances. Attorney General Dana Nessel and the state of Michigan are dedicated to helping businesses defend against fraudulent attempts during tax season.