Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on government imposter scams, warning consumers to remain vigilant against fraudulent emails, calls, or texts from scammers posing as government officials. Fraudsters use these messages to trick consumers into believing they are being contacted by a legitimate government agency or law enforcement office. The communications may offer special medication rates, requests for updated personal information, or demand money.
These fraudulent messages often contain links or attachments. Nessel urges consumers to not click these links or download attachments, as they may contain viruses that infect devices and allow scammers to access sensitive information.
“When you receive these messages, silence is always the best policy,” Nessel said. “If someone contacts you claiming to be from the government, protect yourself by reaching out to the agency directly through its official contact information.”
Nessel is advising 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 spam.
• Deleting the text or email from their device.
Nessel is also reminding consumers that government agencies:
• Will not request personal information through email, over the phone, or text.
• Will never demand money through email, over the phone, or text. They will mail residents a notice and offer payment options.
• Do not ask for or take payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a pay app.
To report a scam, file a complaint, or get additional information, contact the attorney general's Consumer Protection Team at:
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 at https://secure.ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx.
These fraudulent messages often contain links or attachments. Nessel urges consumers to not click these links or download attachments, as they may contain viruses that infect devices and allow scammers to access sensitive information.
“When you receive these messages, silence is always the best policy,” Nessel said. “If someone contacts you claiming to be from the government, protect yourself by reaching out to the agency directly through its official contact information.”
Nessel is advising 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 spam.
• Deleting the text or email from their device.
Nessel is also reminding consumers that government agencies:
• Will not request personal information through email, over the phone, or text.
• Will never demand money through email, over the phone, or text. They will mail residents a notice and offer payment options.
• Do not ask for or take payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a pay app.
To report a scam, file a complaint, or get additional information, contact the attorney general's Consumer Protection Team at:
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 at https://secure.ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx.
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