LANSING — Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an alert to Michigan consumers regarding government imposter scams. Scammers are targeting people through emails, calls, or texts and claiming they are from a government department. The messages may offer grants, special medication rates, requests for updated personal information, or demand money.
The Attorney General warns that if the message contains a link or attachment, do NOT click the link, or download the attachment. It may contain a virus which will infect your device when it’s opened. The scammer will then be able to access information on your device.
“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.”
The alert advised 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; and
- Deleting the text or email from their device.
The alert also reminded 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; and
- Do not ask for or take payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a pay app.
Finally, consumers are able to report a scam, file a complaint, or get additional information, please 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
The AARP reported recently that in 2023, Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) received 73,626 reports of Social Security impersonators and related scams, 13.7 percent increase from 2022.
