AG Nessel Warns of Disaster Scams

AG Nessel Warns of Disaster Scams

by | Jan 12, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 11, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns of Disaster Scams, Re-issues Alerts Ahead of Upcoming Winter Storm

LANSING – With meteorologists predicting the season’s heaviest-yet snowfall to occur late this week and into the weekend, and the National Weather Service issuing Winter Storm Watches and Warnings over most of the state beginning Friday morning, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is advising residents to exercise caution not only in travel, but also with their finances. Scammers and price-gougers often arrive after severe weather events to take advantage of vehicle and homeowners, and the Attorney General offers tips and best practices to avoid compounding a weather disaster with financial disaster.

Nessel has re-issued two alerts to help consumers better know their rights and how best to protect themselves from possible scams and fraudsters:

When homes are damaged by severe weather, the affected homeowners want the damage repaired as soon as possible so they can return to a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately, the rush to repair one’s home often leads otherwise careful consumers to make decisions they would not normally make.

To avoid falling victim to a scam, take the following steps:

  • Breathe! Take some time to absorb what has happened, and don’t make any rash decisions before doing your homework. This is especially true if you are approached by anyone telling you they can fix your home right away – but only if you accept their “help” right now. Legitimate home repair contractors understand you need time to do your homework and check them out before you pay them anything or sign any contracts.
  • Talk to your homeowner’s insurance agent or company. Carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy to determine what damage may be covered and the amount of your deductible. Then be sure to contact your homeowner’s insurance agent or company, writing down questions you have and the answers that you are provided, along with a list of whom you talked to and when. Knowing what your insurance will cover will help you to determine how much you can spend on repairs, and prioritize repairs based on safety and need.
  • Do your homework. Do your homework before hiring a home repair contractor by following the tips found in the remainder of this Consumer Alert. Some of our tips include ensuring that the home repair contractor you’ve decided to hire is licensed, insured, well-regarded by your friends and neighbors, and you are comfortable with their complaint history (if one exists).
  • Get everything in writing, never pay in cash, and never pay in full upfront. Ensure that all promises, quotes, and expectations are put in writing in a contract that you will carefully review before signing. Paying for a home repair using a credit card is recommended because using credit cards provides you with added protection to dispute a charge if the repair is not completed. Finally, you should never pay for an entire home repair upfront! To ensure that all work is completed in accordance with the contract terms and your expectations, arrange to pay for only part of the work upfront and pay for the rest of the work once it is complete to your satisfaction.

“While severe weather may not be predictable, the bad actors and scammers who take advantage of distressed homeowners in the aftermath are. By knowing their tactics and schemes before they come to town, consumers can better protect themselves from those looking to profit unscrupulously from their hardship,” said Nessel. “I encourage Michigan residents to exercise heightened caution when seeking urgent repairs, and to contact my office’s Consumer Protection Team if you believe a business is engaging in fraudulent or unfair behavior in the wake of severe weather.”

Current forecasts indicate a likelihood of heavy snowfall beginning early Friday morning and into Saturday, with expected high winds resulting in blowing and drifting snow. The State of Michigan has information on what to do in the aftermath of a storm on the MIREADY website, including tips on recovering from a disaster.

Those who experience power outages are encouraged to share their outage experience online through the Department’s Outage Feedback Form. Nessel launched the feedback initiative in 2021 to begin gathering information focused on the state’s power companies. The feedback provides valuable insight as she continues to advocate for consumers before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which regulates utility companies.

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

 
Basketball Top 23

Basketball Top 23

by | Jan 10, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday January 6th at 10:00 AM

Updated Saturday January 6th at 9:40 PM

Boys

  1. North Farmington (8-0): Raiders showing why they are who they are right now.
  2. Troy (7-1): Colts big three showing why they are legit.
  3. West Bloomfield (5-5): Lakers will be fine after loss to North Farmington.
  4. Clarkston (6-2): Wolves fourth quarter comeback against Groves was huge for their confidence.
  5. Adams (8-1): Trenton LaGardge has emerged for the Highlanders.
  6. Ferndale (4-4): Eagles have really struggled despite playing tough schedule.
  7. Lake Orion (7-3): Dragons will be fine after loss to Troy.
  8. Oxford (6-3): Wildcats starting to find some balance.
  9. Berkley (6-3): Bears finding ways to win close games.
  10. Troy Athens (7-3): Red Hawks have been a much different team since their win over Lakeview.
  11. Groves (3-7): The Red has not been too kind to the Falcons.
  12. Farmington (4-5): Falcons are really starting to put things together.
  13. Oak Park (2-6): Knights have been a very odd team to figure out.
  14. Royal Oak (7-4): Ravens offense disappeared against Berkley.
  15. Harper Woods (3-5): Julian Young keeps improving each game for the Pioneers.
  16. Avondale (6-4): Yellow Jackets starting to figure some things out.
  17. Pontiac (4-5): Phoenix have been up and down lately.
  18. Seaholm (3-6): Maples are in a rut right now.
  19. Rochester (2-7): Falcons have been competitive lately.
  20. Bloomfield Hills (1-7): Blackhawks still trying to put everything together.
  21. Stoney Creek (1-7): Cougars starting to get into bad habits again.
  22. Ferndale University (2-7): Eagles really struggling right now.
  23. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-8): Warriors have been up and down as of late.

Girls

  1. West Bloomfield (5-0): Lakers need to research the WWE 24/7 Championship history.
  2. Lake Orion (5-0): Five different players leading the Dragons in scoring per night is very good.
  3. Stoney Creek (5-0): Merrick Schwalbach and Sarah LaPrairie combined for 29 points is a great start to 2024.
  4. Clarkston (7-2): Wolves defense showed out after a rough outing against Birmingham Detroit Country Day.
  5. Oxford (4-3): 73 points was the most points the Wildcats scored in nine years.
  6. Rochester (3-3): Alice Max has become a one lady wrecking crew.
  7. Royal Oak (5-1): Ravens might not be ready for the Red after all.
  8. Ferndale (5-2): 60 points against a proud Troy program is pretty impressive.
  9. Southfield Arts and Tech (6-1): Warriors have been a scoring machine, big week coming up.
  10. Berkley (5-3): Bears getting some balance especially Madi Bonsall and Nadia Watt.
  11. Seaholm (3-3): Scoring 22 points against Clarkston and have Stoney Creek next, not good.
  12. Bloomfield Hills (2-4): Ruby Smith and Brie Young are double-double machines for the Blackhawks.
  13. Groves (2-5): Falcons are 1-4 in their last five games, that’s not good.
  14. Harper Woods (3-3): 53 points against in two games is not a good sign.
  15. North Farmington (5-1): Raiders got a wakeup call against Lake Orion, let’s see how they respond.
  16. Troy Athens (3-4): Red Hawks have won three straight.
  17. Adams (3-4): Highlanders needed that win over Ferndale University but they have a tough week ahead.
  18. Pontiac (3-4): Schedule toughens up a bit for the Phoenix but several games looks manageable.
  19. Avondale (2-5): Yellow Jackets played better against Berkley but need to get healthy and quick.
  20. Troy (2-6): Colts are really struggling right now.
  21. Oak Park (0-4): Knights despite the struggles are getting better.
  22. Ferndale University (0-5): Eagles have had a rough few weeks.
  23. Farmington (0-6): Falcons are really struggling.
AG Cautions Detroit Lions Fans About Ticket Scams

AG Cautions Detroit Lions Fans About Ticket Scams

by | Jan 10, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 9, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Cautions Exuberant Detroit Lions Fans About Ticket Scams

LANSING – The Detroit Lions are returning to the playoffs as the NFC North Champions, and as fans are excited and eager to cheer on our team from the stands for the first-ever playoff game at Ford Field, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel encourages ticket-seekers to know what precautions to take to avoid scams in online sales. To encourage caution and safe practices, Nessel recommends those in the market for tickets to Sunday’s game be familiar with the risks associated with online ticket purchases and how to best protect themselves by reviewing the Department’s Online Ticket Purchasing consumer alert.

Retail sites like Ticketmaster have Lions’ Wild Card game tickets at Ford Field selling for thousands of dollars. However, Nessel wants Lions fans to remain vigilant when looking for tickets on the internet and to be mindful of scammers who seek to profit from the frenzy surrounding the home team.

“Online ticket sales come with a certain amount of risk. It’s easy for scammers to create a phony screenshot of a ticket that doesn’t exist or has previously been sold — possibly more than once,” Nessel said. “If you’re buying tickets to this weekend’s playoff game at Ford Field, make sure the tickets you pay for are authentic and they will actually get you into the game. Only then will you be able to keep your enthusiasm and your finances secure as you defend the den. Let’s go, Lions!”

Bad actors have several ways to scam ticket-buyers and ticket-sellers out of their money. Two of those ways involve payment or money app scams and fake check scams.

Payment app scams involve peer-to-peer (P2P) money apps like Apple Pay, Cash App, Circle Pay, Facebook Payments, Google Pay, PayPal, Square Cash, PopMoney, Zelle, and Venmo. P2P payment services are apps that require both parties to have an active user account and each account must be tied to a bank or credit card account. Once created, the pay app allows users to send money to other users by searching for their phone number, email address, or username. The money is instantly transferred electronically, and the transactions are usually free.

P2P scams can take many forms and require an extra degree of caution to be given to any transaction with someone you do not know. Be aware of the following scams when using a pay app:

  • Scammers impersonating your bank may call to alert you about “suspicious activity” on your account and direct you to send money to yourself or “the bank’s address” to reverse a transaction or to verify the account is not frozen. Your bank will never tell you to send money to anyone, not even yourself.
  • Fraudsters claim to represent a fraud department or merchant and ask you to confirm information such as your bank account username and password, credit card or debit card data, or Social Security numbers. Do not share this information — scammers want to create a P2P account with your information, steal your identity, and gain access to your accounts.
  • Fraudsters send spoofed emails warning that an account is about to be suspended and that the account holder must enter their password on a spoofed webpage. Generally, payment app vendors will never ask you to enter your password unless you are on the login page.

If you try to sell legitimate tickets online, scammers may use the fake check scam to steal your money. A potential buyer makes an offer and sends a check — perhaps even a cashier’s check — for considerably more than the cost of the tickets and pretends it’s an error. They ask the seller to deposit the check and refund them the difference. But the check is a counterfeit, and the seller is scammed out of their money plus any other funds from the fake check, as well as bank fees. Banks do not assume those losses.

The Attorney General has some tips to protect yourself when buying tickets online.

  • Know your vendor – Make sure you are buying from a reputable website, especially before providing any personal financial information. Anyone can set up a “spoof” website with a web address that is similar to the legitimate ticket seller’s address. Aside from potential licensing and trademark violations, “spoof” websites may offer consumers overpriced or counterfeit tickets and expose the consumer to identity theft.
  • Do your research – If you are unfamiliar with a particular ticket vendor, you can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at 877-765-8388 and ask if we have any complaints on file regarding that seller. Remember, however, that the absence of filed complaints does not guarantee a seller’s legitimacy; it simply means that we have not received any complaints concerning the vendor. As an additional resource, try researching the ticket seller on the Better Business Bureau’s national website.
  • Use credit – If you purchase tickets online, especially via an online auction site, it is recommended that you complete your transaction using a credit card. Purchasing tickets with a credit card often provides you with protections that you would not otherwise have if you purchased the tickets using cash, check, or apps like Venmo and Cash App. Added protections with credit include the ability to dispute a charge if an event is canceled, or if you receive counterfeit tickets that a venue refuses to honor. Try to choose sellers with long histories of satisfied customers, and make sure the online bid amount is listed in American dollars.
  • Shop securely – If a website begins with “https,” the “s” indicates that the website is “secure.” Typically, the “s” will not appear in the web address until you access the order page of the site where you are asked to enter your personal information. Another indicator of a secure website is a graphic of a closed lock located at the bottom of your screen. Secure websites take precautions to ensure that others cannot see and copy the personal information you provide.

If you have a complaint regarding tickets you purchased online, you can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
AG Nessel Intervenes in DTE’s Requested Gas Rate Increase

AG Nessel Intervenes in DTE’s Requested Gas Rate Increase

by | Jan 10, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 9, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Michigan AG Nessel Intervenes in DTE’s Requested Gas Rate Increase

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel intervened in DTE’s recently filed gas rate case as an advocate for DTE’s natural gas customers across the state.

In the case, docket number U-21291 before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), DTE requests a $266 million annual increase in gas rates, a nearly 10% increase for residential customers. The Attorney General, along with her expert witnesses, will carefully examine DTE’s request and will argue against any increases in costs that are not reasonable and tailored to provide benefits to DTE’s customers.

“We will approach DTE’s latest gas rate increase request as we have every one that has come before it, and work to ensure that natural gas costs are affordable for our state’s utility customers,” said Nessel. “This is yet another in a continuing string of multi-hundred-million-dollar cases brought by the company. My team and its experts will carefully examine DTE’s requested increases and strongly object to any that are unreasonable or are more aligned to shareholder benefits than ensuring ratepayers can keep their homes warm all winter. I remain concerned about the clear pattern of repeated rate increases that come before the Commission, one right after the last.”

The Attorney General’s intervention in DTE Gas’s last rate case, U-20940, helped save customers more than $110 million. Since taking office, the Attorney General has helped save Michigan consumers more than $2 billion by intervening in utility cases before the MPSC. Tuesday’s intervention reaffirms her commitment to affordable energy for customers.

DTE provides natural gas to 1.3 million customers across the state and electricity to approximately 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan.
Hallmark of 2023 was Service to Residents

Hallmark of 2023 was Service to Residents

by | Dec 29, 2023 | Regional News

Coulter: With Sound Fiscal Stewardship, the Hallmark of 2023 was Service to Residents and Small Business

Post Date:12/28/2023 11:12 AM

Pontiac, Mich. – With balanced budgets as far as the eye can see, and a sterling AAA fiscal reputation, Oakland County continues to put residents and small businesses at the top of its forward-thinking agenda.

“County government stood squarely on the side of county residents and businesses this year,” said County Executive Dave Coulter. “Together, we sought to secure the jobs of the future through EV innovations and educational attainment, expanded access to health care and mental health services, and we supported quality of life issues like transit, housing, and recreation.”

In 2023, supporting law enforcement and first responders remained a top priority. Oakland County implemented the use of body-worn cameras for sheriff deputies and piloted a program supporting law enforcement with mental health professionals when they encounter individuals who may have mental health challenges at a scene. The county is also ahead of schedule replacing its countywide radio system for first responders. The $58 million investment in the new P25 radio system has resulted in 6,300 radios being programmed and 20 dispatch centers being upgraded by December of 2023. All police and fire agencies are scheduled to be operating on the new system by mid-January, which will enable them to communicate with each other and other agencies on the State of Michigan radio system.

Mental health programs continue to have a broad impact in our communities. Through the end of 2023, Oakland County’s more than $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds dedicated to increasing the reach of mental health services for children and adults continued to serve thousands of residents. From the Jewish Family Service and Black Family Development Inc.’s suicide prevention training program for mental health providers to the Centro Multicultural La Familia Inc. initiative to combat racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care, 41 organizations reached more than 55,000 individuals across Oakland County over 18 months.

Children and teenagers also benefited from ARPA. Through the Out of School grant, Oakland County and United Way For Southeastern Michigan awarded $4.8 million to 30 youth programs that support social-emotional learning and academic tutoring in the summer months and give students additional enrichment to offset the pandemic’s negative effects.

Oakland County invested its remaining ARPA Funds in 2023 as some programs get underway in the new year. Oakland County’s emphasis has been on investing its $244 million in ARPA funds to make transformational improvements for residents, businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits. Under federal rules, local governments are required to obligate all ARPA funds by the end of 2024, and all funds must be spent by the end of 2026.

Medical debt burdens many Oakland County residents. Coulter and the Board of Commissioners are collaborating with RIP Medical Debt to erase medical debt for up to 80,000 residents. The county will leverage $2 million of its ARPA funds to purchase up to $200 million in medical debt for a fraction of its cost. In 2024, RIP Medical Debt will notify individuals that some or all their medical debt has been eliminated and cleared from their credit reports.
Homeowners can also apply for funding beginning in January of 2024 if they are making energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Coulter and the Board of Commissioners announced a partnership with Michigan Saves on Nov. 20, 2023 to administer a grant program called Oakland SAVES, which will be funded by $5 million ARPA dollars. The goal of Oakland SAVES is to make at least 1,000 households energy-efficient through home improvements.

As the county’s population ages, Oakland County is supporting improvements for their quality of life by using $5 million in ARPA funds to improve services and upgrade facilities at 29 senior centers. These centers are essential to the mental and physical well-being of older adults. Not only do they provide ways for older adults to connect through social events, but senior centers also offer essential services such as transportation to doctor visits.

Public transit is making strides in Oakland County a year after voters approved a public transportation millage in November of 2022. Multi-year agreements are in place with SMART, Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA), North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), OPC Social and Activity Center, and People’s Express, while route and service planning continues with input from communities, businesses, and residents. In 2024, SMART will extend fixed routes from Troy into Rochester and from Pontiac into Waterford and White Lake along M-59, among other improvements.
Oakland County and transportation service providers did not wait for the planning process to be complete before filling gaps in public transit. Some highlights from 2023 include:
● SMART has expanded fixed routes to Novi and Wixom.
● SMART has a fixed route stop at Woodward and Long Lake in Bloomfield Hills.
● Ridership is up more than 20 percent for WOTA, NOTA, OPC, and People’s Express just this year as they expanded their service areas and hours of operation and standardized fees to $2 per ride.
● The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan is facilitating a regional federal grant application for Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties and SMART to attract federal investment in transit, including for Woodward Bus Rapid Transit. This would not have been possible if Oakland County did not have county-wide public transportation.

In response to the strategic goals outlined by Coulter in his 2022 State of the County address, the Board of Commissioners created the Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund as a powerful tool to increase the availability of affordable and attainable housing throughout the county. The initiative provides gap funding to build new housing for working families. The fund will assist affordable housing developers in identifying sites in neighborhoods while offsetting land prices. Plus, it will serve as a catalyst for investment in targeted redevelopment which, when combined with private sector funds and infrastructure improvements, can help revitalize a community.

In 2023, the board appropriated an additional $13 million to the Housing Trust Fund that will increase access to rental and/or home ownership for families living below the federal poverty level. Coulter appointed the county’s first housing and neighborhood development officer, Khadija Walker-Fobbs, to lead the Neighborhood & Housing Development Division, and the first housing trust fund manager Kyle Hines earlier in 2023.

Beginning in 2023, Oakland County launched a hybrid model for indigent defense consisting of a public defender’s office, staffed by Oakland County employees, and the current roster of independent contractor attorneys, for Sixth Circuit Court and 52nd District Court indigent defense appointments. Coulter appointed Paulette Loftin as the county’s first public defender.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved the county’s purchase of the Ottawa Towers, former General Motors Building, and four adjacent parcels in downtown Pontiac. Oakland County intends to move up to 600 public-facing employees from yet to be determined departments to create a significant county presence in downtown Pontiac. The last time the county had a substantial presence in the historic downtown of Pontiac was the early 1960s. The State of Michigan approved a $50 million investment for the project to help with building renovations, blight removal, redeveloping commercial and green spaces and streetscaping, reconnecting city streets, and developing safe parking options.

Oakland County dedicated a historical plaque honoring Elizabeth Denison Forth, the first woman of color to own property in Oakland County and the territory of Michigan, in front of the Sixth Circuit Court Building in Pontiac during its first celebration of Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States. During the ceremony Wednesday, participants also raised the Juneteenth flag at the courthouse.
Finally, additional ARPA investments include:
● Oakland Thrive which is helping to diversify the county’s economic landscape. The non-profit opened in 2023 to support Oakland County’s 36,000-plus small businesses with a focus on minority-, woman- and veteran-owned companies. Through its services, residents can get help building their own businesses from finding consumers to hiring employees. Oakland Thrive’s lead program, Business Forward, was previously a county government initiative, created from an $18 million ARPA grant.
● $15 million in additional appropriations for Coulter’s Oakland 80 initiative to have 80 percent of Oakland County adults attain a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030.
● $15 million assigned to Project Diamond Phase II to build on the successful distribution of 3-D printers to local manufacturers and build a network of Industry 4.0 companies.
● $15 million reserved for critical investments in the county parks system and enhance opportunities in underserved areas.

Oakland County Encourages Home Radon Testing

Oakland County Encourages Home Radon Testing

by | Dec 27, 2023 | Regional News

news release

Oakland County Encourages Home Radon Testing During National Radon Action Month

Pontiac, Mich., Dec. 27, 2023 – Radon test kits are available for half price at Oakland County Health Division during National Radon Action Month in January. For $5, Oakland County homeowners can protect their health by testing their homes for radon.

“Exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Oakland County health officer. “Since you cannot see, smell, or taste radon, testing your home is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk of radon exposure.”

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, and odorless gas. It can sometimes get into homes through cracks in floors or walls and can accumulate, becoming a health hazard. According to Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), approximately 30 percent of homes tested in Oakland County have had elevated levels of radon. The only way to know if a home has high radon levels is to test.

The Health Division recommends testing homes for radon gas during the winter months when windows and doors typically remain closed, allowing radon gas to collect inside and be more easily detected. EGLE encourages testing every two years as homes settle and new cracks form in the foundation that may cause radon levels to change.

If high levels of radon are found, contact the Health Division’s Environmental Health Services at 248-858-1312 in Pontiac or 248-424-7191 in Southfield for more information about radon mitigation and service providers.

Radon test kits are available for purchase at Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield:

  • North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph, Building 34E, Pontiac
  • South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield

Health Division offices are open 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. To purchase more than 15 radon kits, please call 248-858-1312 to pre-order. Note that Health Division offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1 for the New Year’s Day holiday and Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. After January, the cost of a radon test kit will return to $10.

For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/indoor-radon, www.oakgov.com/health, or contact Nurse on Call (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter).

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.