MICHIGAN SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION

serving the citizens of michigan since 1877

Consumer Safety

TAX REBATES

In January 2008, President George W. Bush forged a deal with Congress to give rebates of $600 to $1,200 to most taxpayers this spring.  Before the ink on the agreement was even dry scam artists began formulating ways to use the program to bilk taxpayers out of the money and in some cases steal their identities.  Phone calls and e-mails are two popular ways for these thieves to target unsuspecting taxpayers.

 The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) would like to remind its citizen members the IRS will NEVER call or e-mail to ask for personal information in order to process your tax rebate.  They already have this information!  Rebates will automatically be sent to those who qualify based on their 2007 tax return.  For those who do not usually file a tax return because they don’t owe any federal tax, the IRS will mail you information on what you need to do to receive your rebate.

 

Above is an example of a fake IRS site.  Scammers copy logos and typestyles from legitimate sites to make theirs seem real.  Phishing site photo courtesy of the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

DIGITAL TV

In February 2009 over-the-air television broadcasts will switch from analog to digital.  If you receive your television signal via cable or satellite dish no action is needed.  However, if you are one of the 1.5 million Michigan consumers who watch free over-the-air television using a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears, you will be affected by the conversion. 

 If you purchased your TV before 2003 it is likely analog.  For any TV purchased after 2003 check your owner’s manual or the label on the back of your television.  If the label or owner’s manual contacts the words “ATSC,” “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Receiver,” “Digital Tuner,” “DTV” or “HDTV” your television is digital.  If the label or manual says “analog” or “NTSC” it is analog and you may need a DTV Converter Box to view digital over-the-air programming.  To offset the cost of purchasing the converter boxes (likely retail cost is $50 to $70) every U.S. household is eligible to receive a maximum of two vouchers good for $40 each towards the purchase of eligible converter boxes.  You can obtain your voucher online from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-388-2009.

 MSA would like to remind its members to be watch for DTV related fraud.  Here are some tips to help you avoid digital TV scams: 

  • You do NOT need to pay someone to install DTV converter boxes in your home.  They are easy to install and if you need help you can find instructions on the Michigan Association of Broadcasters’ website at www.michmab.com. 
  • Beware of “upselling”!  You do NOT need to purchase an expensive HDTV, new digital recording equipment or upgrade your paid television service to your provider’s “digital” package in order to receive digital broadcasts. 
  • You do NOT need to purchase vouchers from anyone!  The voucher program is available to every U.S. household for FREE!
  • No one from the NTIA, or any other government agency, will call you and ask for personal financial information in order for you to obtain your vouchers. 

 TELEMARKETING

Aggressive telemarketers claiming to represent sheriffs have been reported statewide.  MSA does NOT telemarket.  If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent MSA, do not give them your financial information.  Instead, please note the time and date of the phone call, ask the caller to clearly identify who they represent and hang up!  To report the incident, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division toll free at (877) 765-8388.