Michigan residents are being warned by Attorney General Dana Nessel to be on the lookout for scams following severe weather. The state has been dealing with the aftermath of thunderstorms, high winds, and an ice storm. According to Nessel, scams often emerge in the wake of such events when residents are focused on cleanup and repairs.
“After a weekend of severe weather, falling victim to a scam may be the last thing on your mind, but fraudsters often know that and try to take advantage,” Nessel said. “Be cautious to protect yourself from these scams when hiring contractors or making donations.”
Nessel advises affected residents to contact their insurance providers, consult with local licensed professionals, and review contractors' credentials. She also recommends obtaining multiple written estimates and carefully reading contracts before signing or making payments.
Residents should be aware of scams where individuals pose as government officials or representatives from insurance companies. These imposters may promise government aid in exchange for personal or bank information.
The Better Business Bureau is recommended as a resource to help research local service providers. Nessel emphasizes the importance of vetting tree service providers and obtaining written project cost estimates to avoid price gouging.
Attorney General Nessel also highlights the risk of the Disaster Relief Charity Scam. She advises residents to donate wisely and suggests verifying the legitimacy of charities and avoiding unknown or unverified organizations.
The Michigan Department of the Attorney General provides various consumer resources online, including Consumer Alerts on topics related to scams and consumer protection. Residents can contact the Consumer Protection Team for more information or to file a complaint.