As part of her holiday consumer protection campaign, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is highlighting four consumer alerts this week to help residents protect their wallets and personal information during the holiday season. This week, the campaign will use themes from popular holiday movies to cover the following topics:
• Sudden Business Closure: Businesses may close suddenly before customers have received the goods or services they paid for. When dealing with a business for the first time, do research before prepaying for big purchases or memberships.
• Gift Card Scams: If someone demands payment in gift cards, it is almost certainly a scam. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not request gift cards as a form of payment.
• Gifting Circles: Avoid gifting circles that promise big returns. They are illegal and can leave participants financially harmed.
• Avoiding Unhappy Returns: Shoppers should know the return policy before they buy, keep receipts and beware of stores that change rules after purchases.
“Fraudsters are relentless in their pursuit of your money and personal information,” Nessel said. “Consumers should be vigilant every day of the year, but especially during the holiday season, and I hope these alerts help everyone recognize red flags and avoid becoming victims of scams.”
To help Michigan residents stay safe from scams, identity theft, and other deceptive schemes, Nessel recently launched a new consumer protection social media account, Michigan Consumer Protection (@MIConsumerWatch). The new account will serve as a trusted source for scam alerts, helpful tips, education resources, and updates from the Department of Attorney General and will host the holiday campaign. Residents can follow @MIConsumerWatch on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Throughout the campaign, the Department of Attorney General will issue press releases each Monday outlining the scams of the week, with daily posts shared through the MI Consumer Alerts social media accounts.
• Sudden Business Closure: Businesses may close suddenly before customers have received the goods or services they paid for. When dealing with a business for the first time, do research before prepaying for big purchases or memberships.
• Gift Card Scams: If someone demands payment in gift cards, it is almost certainly a scam. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not request gift cards as a form of payment.
• Gifting Circles: Avoid gifting circles that promise big returns. They are illegal and can leave participants financially harmed.
• Avoiding Unhappy Returns: Shoppers should know the return policy before they buy, keep receipts and beware of stores that change rules after purchases.
“Fraudsters are relentless in their pursuit of your money and personal information,” Nessel said. “Consumers should be vigilant every day of the year, but especially during the holiday season, and I hope these alerts help everyone recognize red flags and avoid becoming victims of scams.”
To help Michigan residents stay safe from scams, identity theft, and other deceptive schemes, Nessel recently launched a new consumer protection social media account, Michigan Consumer Protection (@MIConsumerWatch). The new account will serve as a trusted source for scam alerts, helpful tips, education resources, and updates from the Department of Attorney General and will host the holiday campaign. Residents can follow @MIConsumerWatch on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Throughout the campaign, the Department of Attorney General will issue press releases each Monday outlining the scams of the week, with daily posts shared through the MI Consumer Alerts social media accounts.
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