LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has officially expanded the Department’s Auto Insurance Fraud Unit, transforming it into the Auto Fraud Task Force (AFTF) to reflect its broadened mission to combat both auto insurance fraud and large-scale criminal auto theft operations.

Vehicle theft in Michigan has surged in recent years. In 2023, the number of reported motor vehicle thefts was 28,408, a 4.1 percent increase from the previous year and a 48.4 percent jump over the past five years.

As part of its expansion, AFTF has partnered with the Michigan State Police Metro Detroit Auto-Theft Recovery Team (MSP MDART). Through this collaboration, which launched last month, AFTF has embedded a dedicated prosecutor within MSP MDART to pursue high-level auto theft rings operating in Metro Detroit.

“With the rise of auto thefts across our communities, expanding the Auto Fraud Task Force is an important step to strengthen our fight against both vehicle theft and insurance fraud, crimes that impact far too many Michigan residents each year,” Nessel said. “Through this new structure, we are enhancing our efforts to dismantle these sophisticated, organized auto crime enterprises across our state.”

AFTF will also partner with the Department’s FORCE Team to investigate and prosecute auto theft crime networks. Earlier this year, Attorney General Nessel announced the arrests of four additional members by the FORCE Team of members of an alleged criminal organization responsible for the thefts of hundreds of vehicles in Southeast Michigan. The FORCE Team has charged a total of 14 defendants with criminal enterprise and auto theft offenses.

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to stay alert to a scam involving fake tax debt collection letters. The fraudulent letter (PDF) claims the recipient has an overdue tax bill and instructs them to immediately call a specified number to resolve the supposed debt. The letter threatens to seize a taxpayer’s property if payment is not made.

The fraudulent letter may appear credible due to its use of specific personal information sourced from the internet and public records, as well as an official-looking “DR-1024” form number. However, the Michigan Department of Treasury corresponds with taxpayers through official letters that use state of Michigan letterhead that embody both the names of the governor and state treasurer. These official letters are sent through the U.S. Postal Service, provide several options to resolve an outstanding debt, and outline taxpayer rights.

“If you receive a suspicious letter, do not panic,” Nessel said. “Call the Michigan Department of Treasury directly to confirm the information in the letter. The Treasury Department will never use aggressive tactics and will give you multiple ways to resolve a debt. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and take steps to protect your financial information. If you believe you are a victim of a scam, do not hesitate to contact my office.”

The Attorney General is reissuing her Government Imposter Scams alert and advising consumers who believe they received suspicious mailers to report them to the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team.

Nessel also reminds consumers that government agencies will not:

• Promise to increase benefits or fix an issue if a fee is paid;
• Threaten arrest or legal action unless money is sent immediately; or
• Demand payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or cash sent by mail.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form