Watch out for fraudulent collection mailings

Two state agencies are warning residents to be on the lookout for false collection mailings.

People across Wisconsin have reported receiving fake letters regarding tax collection cases, according to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Department of Revenue.

These letters don’t mention remitting payment but instead give you a number to call to “avoid enforcement.” The language in these letters sounds official and has a sense of urgency. It threatens to seize property and assets, garnish wages and access bank accounts to satisfy debt. The State of Wisconsin may be mentioned.

Other tell-tale signs of fraud are letters originating from Los Angeles; a fake government seal with the U.S. in a circle instead of a state, county or municipal seal; and a return address listing “Benefits Suspension Unit,” “Public Judgement Records” or a Wisconsin county.

Scammers may be targeting victims by searching court filings for individuals who have court cases filed against them to collect taxes.

If you have questions about the status of your tax payment or the legitimacy of a letter, phone call or email, do not use the contact information provided. Instead, look up contact information for your local municipality, county clerk or the DOR and contact them there. These numbers can all be found online on the entities’ official websites.

If you have been a victim, report the scam at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or 800-422-7128.