Treasury: Be Alert for Text Message Phishing Scam Making the Rounds - State of Michigan (.gov)

Treasury: Be Alert for Text Message Phishing Scam Making the Rounds September 15, 2025 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 www.michigan.gov/taxes Department of Treasury MI Newswire Media Contact: Ron Leix Treasury leixr@michigan.gov (517) 335-2167 Related News Michigan Treasury Releases Guidance on New 24% Wholesale Marijuana Tax Treasury: Individual Income Tax Returns Due in a Month Michigan Taxpayers Encouraged to Check Eligibility for Homestead Property Tax Credit Tax Refund Season Offers Michigan Families a Smart Way to Invest in Child’s Future Education Historic New MiABLE age Expansion Doubles Program Eligibility in Michigan, Recognizing that Disability can Happen at Any Time Michigan Treasury Processes More Than 1.1 Million Returns as 2026 Tax Season Accelerates Deadline Looms for Parent PLUS Loan Borrowers as Key Repayment Option Ends Michigan Infrastructure Council Adds Three Members, Honors Two Founding Leaders Treasury: Check for Unclaimed Property or Assets on Sunday Michigan’s Individual Income Tax Filing Season Begins Today Follow us