SMART Route 492 Connecting Residents to Employment

SMART Route 492 Connecting Residents to Employment

by | Apr 18, 2024 | Regional News

SMART Route 492 Connecting Residents and Visitors to Key Employment and Educational Centers

Post Date:04/18/2024 9:09 AM
  • SMART Route 492 launches Monday, April 22 connecting riders from the State Fair Transit Center all the way up to the Oakland University area.
  • Residents and visitors alike will have enhanced access to key destinations and employment centers across Oakland County.
  • Route service hours will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. For more information, visit smartmovesus.org.

April 18, 2024, Pontiac, Mich. ­– Oakland County transit options continue to expand with the launch of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation’s (SMART) Route 492, which will enable commuters to travel seamlessly from the State Fair Transit Center in Detroit, through bustling business districts in Troy and Rochester, to the educational hub surrounding Oakland University.

Voters who overwhelmingly approved Oakland County’s transportation millage in 2022 made this new fixed route possible.

“This new route is another step toward providing convenient and reliable transportation options for our residents,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “I’m thrilled to broaden access to educational and employment opportunities in all corners of the county and promote economic growth for our people and businesses.”

Route 492, which begins service Monday, will connect riders from the State Fair Transit Center in Detroit through Ferndale, Royal Oak, Clawson, Troy, and Rochester, all the way to Walton Boulevard across from Oakland University in Auburn Hills.

Residents and visitors alike will have enhanced access to key destinations and employment centers across Oakland County, such as educational, health and entertainment locations, as well as shopping and grocery stores. They include the Royal Oak Music Theater, Hampton Village Plaza, Downtown Rochester, Ascension Hospital, Troy Continuing Education, Rochester High School, Sylvan Glen Park, Meadowbrook Amphitheater and Nino Salvaggio.

“As we look forward to the launch of Route 492, we anticipate a positive ripple effect on the local economy,” SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell said. “Businesses in Auburn Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, and Ferndale stand to gain from increased foot traffic and new consumers who will now have convenient access to their establishments—with no parking required. This route represents not just a means of transportation but also a catalyst for economic growth and community prosperity.”

Route service hours will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. For more information about Route 492 and SMART’s services, visit smartmovesus.org or call 866-962-5515.

Alert to Business Owners Tax Scams May Target Them

Alert to Business Owners Tax Scams May Target Them

by | Apr 15, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 15, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Re-Issues Alert to Warn Medium and Small Business Owners That Tax Scams May Target Them

LANSING – Amid Financial Literacy Month, and on Tax Filing Day, it’s critical that small business owners are vigilant against tax scams by bad actors who are actively targeting entrepreneurs. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-issuing her alert, Tax Scams Targeting Small and Midsized Businesses, to underscore the importance of understanding and safeguarding small businesses against financial fraud.

Scammers are stepping up their attempts to deceive businesses through dishonest schemes, putting them in serious financial danger. These scams frequently use threats of legal action, fictitious tax bills, or promises of tax refunds to deceive unsuspecting business owners or their employees.

“Criminals who perpetrate tax scams against small and midsized businesses are not only defrauding hardworking entrepreneurs but also undermining the integrity of our tax system for financial gain,” said Nessel. “My department is committed to protecting all Michigan residents from bad actors. I encourage small business owners to remain vigilant against these fraudulent attempts by understanding the common scams that target their organizations during tax season.”

In her alert, AG Nessel outlines some of the tax-related scams perpetrated against small and midsized businesses.

  • Business-Related W-2 Scams – These scams happen when cybercriminals send phony emails or text messages to payroll and HR specialists, enticing them to divulge private tax information to gain access to workers’ W-2 Forms. These tactics put employees and company data at risk. According to the IRS, the communications can read something like this: “I am analyzing some reports and need a copy of your W-2s for last year. Please send ASAP.” Once the cybercriminals obtain the W-2s, they file fictitious tax forms in an attempt to get refunds. Companies should review their policies for sharing employee data and consider a two-person oversight process for approving employee data distribution.
  • Employer ID Number Scams – When companies apply for Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), they can be lured to fraudulent websites. EINs are free and can be obtained legitimately through IRS.gov. Any site that does not end with a .gov is not an official government website.
  • IRS Imposter Scams – This is the most frequently reported scam, which involves scammers claiming to be from the IRS, who place calls to individuals telling them they or their business owes taxes that must be paid urgently to avoid additional penalties or jail. The IRS will never contact you by text, phone, or email and demand immediate payment and will never ask for payment in the form of gift cards or through money apps.

The AG’s alert recommends businesses create a security protocol and train employees to recognize scams and government imposters.

If you believe your business has been the victim of an IRS scam:

The AG has also launched a Business Identity Theft iniatiaive, and travels the state to provide educational presentations to business groups and chambers to help create awareness about the different forms of identity theft that target small businesses. To inquire about upcoming presentations or to request that this information be delivered to your organization or group, contact the Department.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, 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

Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. The Department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.
Last-Minute Tips Before Individual Income Tax Deadline

Last-Minute Tips Before Individual Income Tax Deadline

by | Apr 15, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Treasury Provides Last-Minute Tips Before Individual Income Tax Deadline

Tax Returns and Payments Due before Midnight Tonight

LANSING, Mich. – With taxpayers required to either e-file or mail their state individual income tax returns by midnight tonight, the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) has some tips to help last-minute filers submit an accurate return.

To ensure an accurate income tax return is filed with the state of Michigan:

  • File electronically. Taxpayers can go to www.michigan.gov/mifastfile to learn more about e-filing options.
  • Mail a paper return to the right address. To avoid processing delays, paper filers should carefully follow tax form instructions when sending a paper return to a specific address.
  • Fill in all requested information. When entering information on the tax return, take the time to ensure information is accurate. Information on paper returns should be legible and easy to read.
  • Review all figures. While software catches and prevents many errors on e-filed returns, math errors remain common on paper returns.
  • Get the right routing and account numbers. Requesting direct deposit of a state tax refund is convenient and enables the taxpayer to access their money faster. Make sure the financial institution’s routing and account numbers entered on the return are accurate.
  • Sign and date the return. If paper filing a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the return. Most e-file software platforms allow electronic signatures.
  • Submit all the required forms. Paper filers should carefully follow the instructions and attach all forms as indicated. If possible, use a paperclip, binder clip or rubber band to hold all documents together.
  • Owe tax? Taxpayers can pay their outstanding tax balance by check, money order, eCheck, debit or credit card.

Need an extension?

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file a return beyond the April 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2024. Taxpayers can request additional time to file by using MI Form 4, Instructions for Application for Extension of Time to File Michigan Tax Returns.

Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should also estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by April 15, 2024, to avoid additional interest and penalties. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.

Some taxpayers impacted by last year’s storm may qualify for an extension.

Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families?

For the 2023 tax year, Michigan quintupled the Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families.

To qualify, individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. If a federal credit is granted, the state of Michigan will provide an additional 30% credit when the taxpayer files their state income tax return.

Taxpayers are encouraged to check to see if they are eligible. Both federal and state tax credits reduce the amount of tax owed and may provide a refund.

Have questions?

Michigan taxpayers who have questions about or need help with their individual income tax returns or refunds can digitally connect with the state Treasury Department through its Treasury eServices platform.

To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax or to download forms, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax. For more information from Treasury, go to www.michigan.gov/treasury or follow @MiTreasury on X, formerly Twitter.

AG Warns Residents of New SSA Impersonation Scam

AG Warns Residents of New SSA Impersonation Scam

by | Apr 10, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 10, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Michigan Residents of New SSA Impersonation Scam

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to be on high alert for a new impersonation scam after the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued an alert (PDF) warning about criminals posing as SSA OIG agents and demanding in-person meetings to hand off cash. SSA OIG agents will never pick up money at your door or in any type of exchange.

“Staying informed and reporting any suspicious activity is the best way consumers can protect themselves from these harmful scams,” Nessel said. “I commend SSA OIG for their vigilance in helping protect consumers, and our Consumer Protection Team is ready to assist any Michigan residents targeted by these imposters.”

Consumers who believe they have been a victim of this crime should file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and report the scam to SSA OIG.

The Attorney General’s Government Imposter Scams alert advises consumers who have received communications from imposters to protect themselves from these scams by:

  • Blocking the text, email, or call;
  • Not clicking links or opening attachments;
  • Reporting the text or email as spam; and
  • Deleting the text or email from their device.

The Attorney General’s alert 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 

 
Protecting our Northern Border and supporting Selfridge

Protecting our Northern Border and supporting Selfridge

by | Apr 10, 2024 | Regional News

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Friend ­­––

Selfridge Air National Guard Base plays a key role in keeping our nation safe. I’m working hard in the Senate to build on Selfridge’s unique capabilities and strengthen its position for the future.

A key part of my efforts is ensuring that the Department of Homeland Security personnel who support the Northern Border security operations out of Selfridge have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. That’s why I made it a priority to secure $3 million to establish and operate a Northern Border Coordination Center at the base through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The new center will coordinate DHS activities and information across the Northern Border and facilitate engagement between DHS and key border security partners. It will also support training and cutting-edge border security technology testing. Simply put: The Northern Border Coordination Center will make Selfridge indispensable to prioritizing security efforts for our entire Northern Border.

 

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This investment, along with the KC-46A tankers I obtained for Selfridge earlier this year, will put the base in a strong position for years to come. But I know there’s still more that must be done, including securing a future fighter mission for Selfridge’s retiring A-10s.

I’m going to continue doing whatever I can to ensure that Michigan — and Selfridge — remain at the forefront of our nation’s homeland and national security missions.

 

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan
AG Nessel: Re-Issue of Cryptocurrency Alert

AG Nessel: Re-Issue of Cryptocurrency Alert

by | Apr 9, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 8, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Continues Recognition of Financial Literacy Month with Re-Issue of Cryptocurrency Alert

LANSING – In her quest to ensure that Michigan consumers are as informed as possible, Attorney General Dana Nessel has re-issued her alert, Cryptocurrency! What is it? What are the Risks? to highlight this speculative asset during Financial Literacy Month.

Before investing in cryptocurrencies, it is important to understand what they are and how they relate to fiat currencies. Fiat currencies, such as the dollar, are what we typically think of as money. Fiat currencies are managed by a nation’s central government. Cryptocurrencies are a form of digital currency, managed by either a private enterprise or algorithm, and function as digital cash that allows direct transactions between users. Cryptocurrencies are often touted as investment vehicles. Unlike traditional investments, such as stock and bonds, cryptocurrencies often lack underlying value, and investors have no legal recourse if their investment fails or if they fall victim to fraud. There is no way to reverse a cryptocurrency transaction.

While many see cryptocurrencies as an investment opportunity, potential investors should be aware of the perils involved in investing in cryptocurrency. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), more than 46,000 people have reported losing money in cryptocurrency scams totaling over $1 billion in losses. This number is 60 times what it was in 2018.

Those statistics, along with the fact that cryptocurrencies are highly volatile assets, make them risky and likely to attract scammers. These scammers will often exploit the anonymity of cryptocurrency transactions to defraud investors.

According to the FTC, of the reported losses from cryptocurrency fraud since 2021, $575 million involved fraudulent investment proposals. In order to induce consumers to part with their crypto, investment fraudsters promise large profits and adapt old tricks to the new world of cryptocurrency. For instance, websites and applications that purport to track the progress of investors’ cryptocurrency are sometimes completely fake. Some investors are able to make small “test” withdrawals from the sites, but are not allowed to cash out unless they submit further cryptocurrency as “fees.” Or the scammer may tell the investor they have to pay an upfront fee or tax to withdraw their money.

“During Financial Literacy Month, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with cryptocurrency,” Nessel said. “While it is often portrayed as a lucrative investment, the reality is far from glamorous. Cryptocurrencies are volatile, susceptible to scams, and lack the regulatory protections of traditional investments. Investing in cryptocurrency should be approached with caution and a thorough understanding of the risks involved.”

AG Nessel’s cryptocurrency alert advises potential investors to:

  • Do your research.
  • Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or promises of quick returns.
  • Don’t invest out of fear of missing out or because a celebrity has endorsed the product.
  • Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
  • Remember: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you steer clear of anyone who:

  • Demands payment in cryptocurrency – no legitimate business will insist on this kind of payment, but most scammers do because of its lack of protections;
  • Guarantees profits or big returns – this should always be a red flag because investments have some element of risk; or
  • Tries to mix online dating and investment advice – anyone on a dating app who tries to entice you into investing in cryptocurrency or asks you to send them cryptocurrency is a scammer.

This month is meant to shine a light on the critical role personal finance plays in providing us with the financial freedom to take control of our lives and keep up with the world’s changing financial landscape. Protect yourself by being vigilant and informed in your investment decisions.

Making the path to financial literacy a lifelong pursuit is a step in the right direction.

You can report cryptocurrency fraud on the FTC’s website. To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, 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