Beware of Fraudulent E-Mail Tax Scam!

The Madison Heights Police Department Crime Prevention Bureau wishes to inform residents of fraudulent scam that is being conducted via e-mail. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently alerted the Michigan Department of Treasury that some taxpayers have received e-mails from a non-IRS source indicating that the taxpayer is under audit and needs to complete a questionnaire within 48 hours to avoid the assessment of penalties and interest. The e-mail refers to an "e-audit" and references IRS Form 1040. The taxpayer is asked for social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other confidential information.

This e-mail is not from the IRS. The IRS does not conduct e-audits, nor does it notify taxpayers of a pending audit via e-mail. Frauds, scams, identity at a higher incidence than ever before. With the advent of home computers, criminal activity using the Internet has become commonplace. Residents are reminded to never give out personal information to anyone who contacts you, whether by telephone, mail or on your personal computer.

Further information can be obtained at the IRS web site, www.irs.gov. If these or any other types of criminal activity have victimized you, please contact the Madison Heights Police Department at 248-585-2100.