Michigan businesses are on alert as a scam impersonating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) strikes with deceptive offers to "correct" Employer Identification Numbers (EINs). The scam, flagged by Attorney General Dana Nessel, involves a bogus Form 9750 and a demand for a fee, purported to fix alleged EIN-related errors. This latest fraud targets businesses' wallets and sensitive data, with no such form as IRS Form 9710 actually existing. "If you receive this fake form, don’t fill it out or return it," Nessel warned in a statement obtained by CBS Detroit.
Despite the fraudulent nature of the request, some businesses might be pressured into compliance out of fear of reprisal from the IRS. However, Nessel reminds the public that the real IRS has clear procedures and wouldn't lean on taxpayers, to pay extra fees or use third-party collectors. In a similar vein, the IRS would never threaten immediate payment without offering the chance to question or appeal the sum due, the AG's statement issued to Michigan Department of Attorney General said.
Among the tactics not employed by the IRS are arrests threats, demands for specific payment forms like gift cards or wire transfers, or unsolicited communication seeking personal or financial details. The comprehensive list of non-practices by the IRS serves to educate and shield consumers from swindlers' tactics. Businesses suspected of having fallen prey to these scammers are urged to report the incident to the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting webpage, or by phone at 800-366-4484. Moreover, phone scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and the unsolicited emails to the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or IC3.
Attorney General Nessel remains firm in her commitment, "My department remains committed to protecting consumers and their businesses from these bad actors." Confidence scams like this can severely disrupt businesses and breed an atmosphere of distrust. It's essential for business owners to stay vigilant, to question unwarranted financial demands, and to utilize official channels for any IRS-related queries. For those needing additional support or wishing to become a bulwark against fraud, Nessel's Consumer Protection Team and additional federal resources are available for guidance and reporting.
