by orionontv | Dec 6, 2024 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6, 2025 |
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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.
If you believe you have been a victim of a travel scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:
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by orionontv | Dec 6, 2024 | Regional News
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.
by orionontv | Dec 6, 2024 | Transportation
As the snow flies, why is driving to the conditions so difficult?
On this week’s episode of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Brad Wieferich, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, talks about his background overseeing development and design of road projects and the challenge of balancing mobility and safety.
 With strong winds churning up lake-effect snow on Michigan’s western lakeshore, police agencies have reported dozens of crashes. Despite ongoing messages from law enforcement and safety advocates, drivers often fail to drive to the conditions.
Wieferich talks about what officials learned from a study conducted after a 193-vehicle pileup on I-94 near Galesburg resulted in the Michigan State Police issuing 58 citations.
Also discussed:
- The Legislature, following about half of all states, approved bills allowing for the use of safety cameras in work zones. Wieferich explains the benefits.
- Challenges in transportation going into 2025.
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by orionontv | Dec 5, 2024 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 5, 2024
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AG Nessel Praises Senate Passage of Bill Restoring Protections in the Michigan Consumer Protection Act
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is applauding the Michigan Senate for passing Senate Bill 1022 today. The bill, championed by state Senator Sam Singh and the Attorney General, will help the millions of Michigan consumers who currently stand legally helpless against predatory, deceptive, and unaccountable commercial operators because of misinterpretations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA).
The Attorney General and the Consumer Protection Team receive over 10,000 consumer complaints each year. However, Michigan Supreme Court decisions in Smith v. Globe Life Ins. Co. and Liss v. Lewiston-Richards, Inc. often preclude state investigation of suspected illegal business practices when the target business sells products or services authorized for sale by a law administered by a state or federal agency, irrespective of allegations pertaining to how they conduct that business. This flawed and broad interpretation of a narrow exemption within the MCPA shields many businesses from any state scrutiny of even the most egregiously unfair alleged business conduct. Senate Bill 1022 would enable these companies to be investigated by the Department of Attorney General.
“My Consumer Protection Team constantly fields calls from Michiganders who have fallen victim to predatory business practices,” Nessel said. “From grocery stores price gouging essentials to used car dealerships deceiving consumers with false promises, these unethical practices have left many members of our community financially devastated. Sadly, my office has been forced to turn away these consumers because they were victimized by businesses that are licensed and regulated. Thanks to the Senators who supported this vital legislation, we are now one step closer to closing this loophole and breathing life back into the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. I will continue to advocate for this legislation until it becomes law.”
Senate Bill 1022 aims to restore the types of transactions subject to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, provide the Department of Attorney General with the ability to issue investigative demands to investigate alleged violations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, and enhance penalties for violations targeting the elderly and vulnerable adults.
The bill will now head to the Michigan House of Representatives for consideration.
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by orionontv | Dec 5, 2024 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 5, 2024
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AG Nessel Reissues Ransomware Consumer Alert on Computer Security Day
LANSING – To raise awareness on Computer Security Day, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing a consumer alert on computer ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malware that threatens the security of your electronic devices when it gains access to the device. It then encrypts and disables the entire operating system or individual files, locking a user out of their systems and preventing access to their information.
One of the most common paths to a ransomware infection is downloading malware by opening an attachment or clicking on a link in an unsolicited email. These emails trick users by pretending to be from a source they trust, which is also known as phishing.
“Cybercriminals are becoming more and more sophisticated,” Nessel said. “To protect yourself, take the time to understand ransomware attacks and learn ways to protect yourself from bad actors.”
There are a number of actions residents can take to protect against ransomware:
- Make sure all your devices are protected with comprehensive security software and keep all software up to date.
- Update software often, as patches for flaws are typically included in each update.
- Don’t respond to emails or text messages from people you don’t know, and only download applications from trusted sources.
- Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, since many of them are not secure, and cybercriminals can snoop on your internet usage.
- Back up your data onto an external hard drive or cloud regularly.
- Remember to unplug your external device when not in use as some malware can also infect devices attached to your computer.
- Never use USB sticks from unknown sources.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:
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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