As Northern Michigan deals with the aftermath of a recent ice storm, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to remain vigilant about potential price gouging and deceptive business practices. She encourages the public to report any suspected consumer protection violations to her office.
Nessel highlights that residents often depend on tree removal and cleanup services during such emergencies, which could lead to some businesses inflating prices or adopting unfair practices. Though tree services don't require licenses, Nessel advises consumers to scrutinize these service providers as they would other contractors, requesting detailed written quotes before signing agreements to avoid any predatory practices.
"Bad actors often see emergencies as an opportunity to take advantage of people in need," Nessel stated. "We need residents to be our eyes and ears and report potential price gouging or deceptive business practices. Filing a complaint with our office can protect your community against these scammers."
Under Michigan law, service providers should not charge amounts "grossly in excess" of what is typical for similar services. Nessel's Consumer Protection Team has recently investigated several companies suspected of illegal practices in emergency tree mitigation services. For instance, the team settled a lawsuit in March 2024 against David Foster and his businesses, Michigan’s Choice Tree Service and Storm Support Emergency Tree Removal. Foster admitted to running Storm Support without proper certification and violating the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA).
According to the MCPA, illegal practices include significant discrepancies between oral and written agreements, excessively high pricing, coercion during sales presentations, and misrepresentation of facts.
Nessel invites Michigan consumers who doubt they've been targeted by illegal or predatory business practices to contact her office. Consumers with concerns about suspicious quotes or questionable tactics are also encouraged to come forward, even if they were not directly affected.
For assistance or to file a complaint, consumers can reach 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
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