by orionontv | Dec 9, 2024 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 9, 2024
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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
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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 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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by orionontv | Dec 4, 2024 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 4, 2024
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Attorney General Dana Nessel Urges Consumers to Guard Against Porch Pirates During Holidays
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LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging consumers to take proactive steps to protect their packages from theft as part of her office’s ongoing Holiday Scams Campaign. With an increase in online shopping during the holidays, consumers face heightened risks of “porch pirates” targeting deliveries.
“Whether it’s a package or a piece of mail, unattended deliveries are easy targets for porch pirates,” Nessel said. “By planning ahead and taking security measures, you can make sure your well-deserved gifts and packages reach you safely while keeping thieves from stealing your holiday cheer.”
To safeguard against package theft, Nessel advises consumers to:
- Use Secure Delivery Options: Ship packages to a secure location, such as Amazon lockers, FedEx offices, or your workplace if permitted.
- Improve Visibility: Keep your porch well-lit and consider adding motion-sensing lighting.
- Create the Illusion of Presence: Even when you’re not home, make it look like someone is present by leaving lights or music on.
- Invest in Technology: Install a porch camera or motion detector that can alert you to activity and allow you to monitor deliveries in real time.
Consumers can also use the U.S. Postal Service’s free Informed Delivery tool, which provides digital previews of incoming mail and allows users to track packages, manage delivery instructions, and reschedule deliveries.
Attorney General Nessel’s alert also notes that mail and package theft is a leading cause of identity theft crimes. Consumers can also reduce their risk by opting out of pre-approved credit offers, which thieves can use to apply for credit in someone else’s name. To stop these offers, you can opt out by visiting the official Consumer Credit Reporting Industry website or by calling 888-567-8688.
Stealing mail or packages is a serious offense. First-time offenders can face fines and up to one year in jail, while repeat offenders risk up to five years in prison under state and federal law.
If you believe a package has been stolen from your residence, you should first confirm that it was actually delivered by reviewing the available tracking information. If you have a security camera and it captures packages being stolen from you or your neighbors, you should contact your local police department.
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