AG Warns Consumers of Puppy Scams During the Holiday Season

AG Warns Consumers of Puppy Scams During the Holiday Season

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Regional News
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 10, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Consumers of Puppy Scams During the Holiday Season

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging consumers to be wary of puppy scams as many people seek to purchase or adopt dogs during the holiday season.

Many people enjoy gifting kittens, puppies, and other pets to loved ones during the holidays, which creates an atmosphere ripe for scammers to exploit. Michigan residents in recent years have been tricked into paying for pets that do not exist or have adopted pets with undisclosed health issues, behavioral complications, or falsified medical records. Attorney General Nessel recently launched an investigation into an unknown individual on the pet adoption website RescueMe.org who is accused of misleading Michigan consumers by allegedly falsifying vaccination records for an animal sold through the website.

“While the holidays inspire many to bring in the joy with a furry friend, it’s important consumers exercise caution when searching for a new pet,” Nessel said. “Always thoroughly research any online purchase to ensure you are not the latest victim of a scam.”

In addition to the deceptive practices of advertising puppies that do not exist or charging exorbitant fees, scammers are taking advantage of the holiday season as they use it as a reason to avoid in-person visits and demand additional fees.

Attorney General Nessel released a Public Service Announcement in 2022 with tips to help consumers spot and avoid puppy scams. Consumers should remain hyper-vigilant and use these best practices:

  • Make sure the person you’re gifting the pet to wants the pet and is ready for ownership.
  • Research the breed and breeder.
  • If the breeder claims to have registered the puppy, research the pet.
  • Do not purchase a puppy sight unseen.
  • Arrange for safe transport of the pet.
  • Use a credit card to make the purchase. If it turns out you have been scammed, it is very unlikely you will ever get your money back if you have paid through cash, check, or through platforms like PayPal and Venmo.
  • Retain all documents and communications from the breeder.
  • Consider contacting your local shelter for adoption.

Each year, consumers in the U.S. spend more than $1 billion buying puppies without realizing they may be doing business with scammers, puppy mill operators, or both. Puppy mills are inhumane dog breeding operations that keep dogs in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions and, depending on location, many are not regulated or inspected. Breeders hide their poor conditions by meeting buyers at offsite locations or selling through pet stores or online.

To view all the holiday scam alerts, visit the Department of Attorney General’s website. Michigan consumers who believe they have been a victim of a puppy scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:

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
DNR approves nearly $1.9 million in recreation grants

DNR approves nearly $1.9 million in recreation grants

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Dec. 10, 2024

Contact: Christie Bayus

DNR approves nearly $1.9 million in recreation grants for local park and trail improvement, development

Total program grant funds since 2011 top $20 million

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that 14 communities will share $1,896,700 in Recreation Passport grants for local public recreation projects.

The grants awarded will fund a range of projects, including improvements at the Big Traverse Bay boating access site in Houghton County’s Schoolcraft Township, the Tate Park River Raisin Pathway Loop in the village of Clinton in Lenawee County and the Springfield Schools Memorial Park playground in the city of Springfield in Calhoun County.

“The Recreation Passport is a tremendous value providing annual access to state parks, boating access sites, state forest campgrounds and more, all for $14,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “In addition, purchases of the Recreation Passport help fund maintenance and improvements at our state parks and provide money we allocate as Recreation Passport grants for local projects across Michigan. All of this adds up to a great program that produces numerous value-added benefits.”

The DNR’s Recreation Passport grant program began in 2010 with the goal of boosting visitation and funding for Michigan state parks. The Recreation Passport is a $14 annual pass required for access to 103 state parks and recreation areas, more than 140 state forest campgrounds, Michigan historic sites, hundreds of boating access sites and thousands of miles of trails.

Ten percent of the proceeds from Recreation Passport sales are granted to communities across the state for development and improvement of local public recreation facilities.

The Recreation Passport replaced the DNR’s traditional annual motor vehicle permit for state park access with a purchase program tied to the renewal of license plate registrations.

Beyond the money allocated for Recreation Passport grants, revenue from sales of Recreation Passports supports operations, infrastructure and historic and cultural assets in Michigan’s state parks and recreation system.

View projects recommended for funding for this year’s Recreation Passport grant awards. Counties where funded grant projects have been approved include Allegan, Benzie, Berrien, Calhoun, Gogebic, Houghton, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Oceana, Oscoda, St. Clair and Van Buren.

Selected projects were scored and selected from a field of 52 grant applications seeking a total of $6.7 million in funding.

With the announcement of this year’s recipients, the Recreation Passport grant program has awarded a total of $20.5 million statewide.

The application period for the next round of Recreation Passport grant funding opens in early 2025, with applications due April 1. Learn more about the program and application materials at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.

Approximately 97% of state parks funding for operations and maintenance is generated by user fees and royalty revenues. This includes:

  • 48% from camping and lodging reservation fees.
  • 29% from Recreation Passport sales.
  • 11% from state-owned, oil, gas, and mineral royalty revenues, which feed the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund.
  • 4% from common cash interest earnings.
  • 3% from concessions and shelter reservations.
  • 2% from miscellaneous sources

Michigan’s General Fund tax dollars provide the remaining 3% of state parks funding.

Questions? Call the DNR Grants Management Section at 517-284-7268 or email [email protected].
AG Urges Consumers to Look Out for Phishing Attacks this Holiday

AG Urges Consumers to Look Out for Phishing Attacks this Holiday

by | Dec 9, 2024 | Regional News
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 9, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Urges Consumers to Look Out for Phishing Attacks this Holiday Season

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on phishing scams to warn residents of ways scammers are conning consumers this holiday season, particularly when it comes to package deliveries.

Scammers may employ various tactics to steal personal information and financial data. Phishing is a cyberattack where a criminal poses as a trusted person/organization to trick potential victims into sharing sensitive data or sending money. Smishing has the same goal but comes in the form of a text message.
USPS Spam Text message

The messages may appear to be from legitimate sources like the USPS or Amazon and contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive information. Oftentimes, the USPS smishing scam alerts the victim to an alleged delayed package and then requires a purchase for updates.

“The increase in online shopping and home deliveries has provided opportunities for criminals to masquerade as delivery companies,” Nessel said. “Clicking on a link in an email or text could take you to a fake site where you will be asked to enter more details to prove your identity or to pay a non-existent fee. Do not reply to any suspicious text or email and be sure to report phishers to the FTC and my Department.”

If consumers receive a suspicious email or text, they should:

  • Not download any attachments in the message. Attachments may contain malware such as viruses, worms, or spyware.
  • Not click links that appear in the message. Links in phishing messages direct consumers to fraudulent websites.
  • Not reply to the sender. Ignore any requests from the sender and do not call any phone numbers provided in the message.

Report it. Forward suspected phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group. Consumers who receive a smishing text message should forward it to SPAM (7726), then report the smishing attack to the FTC.
USPS Scam Text version two

If consumers receive a suspicious phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt, they are advised to:

  • Hang up or end the call. Be aware that area codes can be misleading. If their caller ID displays a local area code, this does not guarantee that the caller is local.
  • Not respond to the caller’s requests. Legitimate companies will never call consumers to request personal information. Never give personal information to the incoming caller.

Victims of a scam can file a complaint by contacting 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
AG Urges Caution to Avoid Travel Scams During the Holidays

AG Urges Caution to Avoid Travel Scams During the Holidays

by | Dec 6, 2024 | Regional News

 
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General Dana Nessel Urges Caution to Avoid Travel Scams During the Holidays

LANSING – As part of her ongoing Holiday Scams Campaign, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-issuing her Travel Tips alert to help consumers avoid falling victim to common travel scams. As many Michiganders plan trips during the holiday season, they should beware of bad actors when booking and taking vacations.

“Traveling should be a time of joy and relaxation, not stress and scams,” said Nessel. “Remaining informed and cautious can help you protect your trip and your wallet. My office is committed to helping Michigan residents stay one step ahead of bad actors this holiday season.”

Whether booking online or through a travel agent, Nessel encourages travelers to:

  • Research agents and booking sites: Verify phone numbers and websites independently rather than relying on web search results. Check reviews, seek personal recommendations and consult the Better Business Bureau as well as the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team for information.
  • Get promises in writing: Request that all agreements be provided in writing, including any special requests or terms.
  • Read contracts carefully: Pay close attention to fine print, fees, and service charges, especially for “all-inclusive” deals. Make copies of all documents to dispute any unexpected fees.
  • Pay with a credit card: Avoid paying for travel with cash, checks, or prepaid cards. Use a credit card, if possible, preferably a designated travel credit card for booking flights, hotels, and other expenses. Credit cards offer better fraud and cancellation protections than other payment methods.

Attorney General Nessel’s alert lists some common travel scams that travelers should avoid, such as:

  • Online Booking Scams: Ensure you are booking directly on the hotel’s official website. Third-party booking sites may charge hidden fees, fail to honor special requests, or even fail to make a reservation altogether.
  • “Pizza Flyer” Scam: Flyers slipped under hotel doors that advertise local food delivery may be fraudulent. When ordering, never give your credit card information to unknown sources.
  • Fake Front Desk Calls: Scammers may call your hotel room claiming to be from the front desk and request your credit card information due to a “computer glitch.” Always verify by calling the front desk directly.
  • Bait-and-Switch Tactics: Be wary of offers with unrealistically low prices that result in additional charges or pressure to buy more expensive services.

For additional resources, visit Pure Michigan for travel tips within the state. The Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. State Department also provide valuable information for domestic and international travelers.

If you believe you have been a victim of a travel scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:

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
Flags lowered for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 

Flags lowered for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 

by | Dec 6, 2024 | Regional News

Office of the Governor (no photo)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 6, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags in Observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, December 7, 2024, to honor and remember the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

 

“Today, we remember the courage and bravery of our fellow Americans at Pearl Harbor and the more than 600,000 Michiganders who served in uniform during World War II,” said Governor Whitmer. “This Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor those who sacrificed their lives to fight for our freedoms and recommit ourselves to moving forward together, no matter the challenges we face.”

 

The State of Michigan observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, December 8, 2024.