Michigan – Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging Michiganders to remain alert against potential scams following extreme weather around Michigan that left some areas struggling with the consequences of ice storms, high winds, and thunderstorms. The Attorney General underlined the need of being careful during this sensitive moment as communities start to recover and rebuild.
The severe weather over the last weekend not only caused widespread destruction but also provided an ideal setting for fraudsters hoping to take advantage of those impacted.
“After a weekend of severe weather, falling victim to a scam may be the last thing on your mind, but fraudsters often know that and try to take advantage,” Nessel said. “Be cautious to protect yourself from these scams when hiring contractors or making donations.”
Nessel has therefore specified a number of preventive actions citizens should take before deciding on any donations or renovations to help to offset this. Key recommendations are to call your insurance company, speak with local licensed professionals, check credentials, obtaining multiple written estimates, and carefully examine contracts before signing.
Nessel informs the public in her Government Imposter Scams Consumer Alert how imposters could approach individuals under the pretense of providing assistance with cleanup activities. These fraudsters may pretend that the residents have been chosen for government assistance with repairs or that an early payment could hasten their service requests. Such strategies usually seek to steal financial and personal information from unsuspecting victims.
Moreover, the office of the Attorney General has published a Disaster Scams Consumer Alert outlining additional common post-disaster frauds and prevention strategies. This includes being cautious about tree service providers, which, while not licensed, should still be thoroughly vetted. To prevent being overcharged, residents are advised to ask for written estimates outlining the whole project cost.
Nessel draws attention to another major issue: the Disaster Relief Charity Scam, which is especially common in the digital era when social media may sometimes spread phony fundraising efforts. To ensure contributions are going to legitimate causes, Nessel advises potential donors to:
- Verify the credibility of the charity, ensuring it is registered to solicit funds in Michigan.
- Be skeptical of spontaneous charity messages from unfamiliar sources.
- Opt for well-established charitable organizations known for their disaster relief efforts.
- Resist pressure to donate immediately, as genuine charities understand the need for donors to make informed decisions.
- Be cautious of charities that do not accept traditional payment methods. Legitimate charities never ask for donations via wire transfers, gift cards, or similar means.
The Better Business Bureau also serves as a reliable resource for researching local companies and contractors, providing additional security for those navigating the complexities of post-storm repairs and cleanup.
Michigan residents looking for more information or wishing to report suspicious activities can access a variety of resources and consumer alerts directly through the Attorney General’s dedicated consumer protection website. This includes forms to report extended power outages or to inquire about overdue outage credits, ensuring that all Michiganders have the necessary tools to safeguard themselves during vulnerable times.
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
More details are available here.