Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel concludes her holiday scam campaign with consumer alerts focusing on travel and health club memberships. As many people aim to travel more or pursue fitness goals in the new year, the importance of making informed decisions is emphasized to avoid costly mistakes.
"The new year gives us a perfect opportunity to set goals," Nessel stated. "Before joining a membership to help tackle your New Year resolution, take the time to ask questions to protect yourself from scammers and deceptive business practices."
The Attorney General's office provides several suggestions for consumers considering memberships:
- **Budget**: Evaluate the cost of the membership and ensure it fits within your financial plan. Inquire about any additional fees for services like instructors or trainers.
- **Long-term contracts**: Consider whether a long-term contract suits you, especially if it requires upfront payment. Explore month-to-month or short-term options, and understand payment terms if the club closes.
- **Cancellation and refunds**: Familiarize yourself with cancellation policies and potential fees if circumstances change, such as moving or illness. Understand what happens if the business relocates or closes.
- **Contract review**: Carefully read all contract terms before signing, including fine print. Request an unsigned copy for review at home.
This alert marks the conclusion of the 2024 holiday scam campaign, but these tips remain relevant throughout the year. The full list of topics covered during this campaign includes credit card safety, website spoofing, online shopping safety, charitable giving advice, identity theft prevention, ransomware awareness, travel tips, price fixing explanations, phishing scams, puppy scams, AI-related scams, illegal pyramid schemes identification, family emergency scams targeting grandparents, Michigan's Scanner Law details, drop-shipping information, gift card usage guidance, protection against sudden business closures, payment app scam avoidance strategies, merchandise return advice for online purchases, consumer complaint filing instructions after data breaches occur.
Residents can file complaints with the Department of Attorney General by contacting:
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