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Michigan AG ReIssues Consumer Alert After Federal Trade Commission Warns Of Fake IRS Emails

(CBS Detroit) - A consumer alert has been reissued by Michigan Attorney Dana Nessel after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a notice late last month about fake IRS emails.

According to the AG's office, the FTC is warning consumers of an email offering an Economic Impact Payment if the recipient clicks a link that lets them "access the form for your additional information" and "get help" with the application.

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"If you click it, a scammer might steal your money and your personal information to commit identity theft. It's yet another version of the classic government impersonator scam," read the notice.

Nessel's Federal Stimulus Payment Scam Consumer Alert informs people not to fall for texts, emails or phone calls of someone claiming to be from the government with a check for them.

"These scams will likely ask you for your bank account information or other personal information that can then be used to steal your identity," Nessel said.

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Here are ways to avoid this scam:

  • Know that the government will never call, text, email, or contact you on social media saying you owe money, or to offer help getting a third Economic Impact Payment (EIP). If you get a message with a link from someone claiming to be from the IRS or another government agency, don't click on it. It's a scam. Scammers will often send fake links to websites or use bogus email addresses and phone numbers that seem to be from the government. Your best bet is to visit the IRS's website directly for trustworthy information on EIP payments.
  • Say no to anyone who contacts you, claiming to be from a government agency and asking for personal or financial information, or for payment in cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Whether they contact you by phone, text, email, on social media, or show up in person, don't share your Social Security, Medicare ID, driver's license, bank account, or credit card numbers. And know that the government would never ask you to pay to get financial help.
  • Report government impersonators to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report makes a difference. Reports like yours help us investigate, bring law enforcement cases, and alert people about what frauds to be on the lookout for so they can protect themselves, their friends, and family.

 Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General's website, or by calling 877-765-8388.

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