Nessel reissues government imposter alert after Ottawa Co. shares door-to-door warning

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is amplifying a notice from the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office following reports that residents were visited at their homes by individuals claiming to be county employees seeking to verify the residents’ voter information and voting history.

“These individuals are not associated with Ottawa County or any municipal entity, and residents are not required to answer questions or provide information to any individuals or third-party organizations in this manner,” the release states.

In response, Nessel is reissuing her Government Imposter Scams Consumer Alert, which addresses situations where bad actors use legitimate government references or the threat of government action to trick individuals into thinking the person is a government official. Often times, it’s to obtain the person’s personal information to then commit theft.

“Just as Clerk Roebuck pointed out in his alert, you should always ask for identification when someone contacts you and says they’re with a government agency – especially if they show up on your doorstep,” Nessel said. “We’re ready to hold accountable anyone who impersonates officials or attempts to intimidate residents.”

If Ottawa County residents have any questions regarding their voter information or would like to discuss a similar incident, contact the Ottawa County Elections Division at: 616-994-4535.  To report any incidents of intimidation or coercion, contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department at: 616-738-4000.

Any resident sincerely concerned about the validity or security of the 2020 election can review the results of over 250 statewide and local professional audits completed by election clerks from both political parties last year. They are available on the Secretary of State website at www.michigan.gov/sos.

Consumer complaints can be filed online at the attorney general’s website at www.michigan.gov/ag, or anyone with questions can call 877-765-8388.