Beware of Scams After Winter Storms: Michigan AG's Advisory

The Michigan Attorney General's office, led by Dana Nessel, has issued a notice urging residents in Northern Michigan to be cautious of potential scams following recent severe winter weather. The advisory warns of fraudulent home repair and utility impostor schemes that often surface during recovery efforts from natural disturbances.

This release follows significant property damage and utility service interruptions caused by winter storms in the region. Residents are advised to carefully evaluate any proposals from individuals offering immediate repair services and to verify service providers before proceeding with financial transactions.

Attorney General Nessel suggests that homeowners conduct thorough due diligence when selecting contractors. Legitimate service providers expect customers to investigate their licensing, insurance, and reputations prior to entering into agreements. Homeowners should actively verify contractors' references and assess their complaint records as part of the decision-making process.

Nessel also recommends that homeowners consult their insurance agents or companies to review coverage options and understand deductible amounts. Maintaining detailed communications with representatives can aid in prioritizing necessary repairs and budgeting effectively.

Before commencing any work, all agreements, estimates, and conditions should be formalized in a written contract subjected to careful review. It is advisable to make payments using credit cards, enabling consumers to dispute charges if work is unsatisfactory; avoid paying the full amount upfront and opt for partial payments tied to work completion.

Given that snow removal services are not subject to state licensing, residents must independently verify company reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings. Payment should be made post-service or through credit cards to allow for potential chargebacks in disputes.

The advisory also highlights the risk of utility impostor scams in storm aftermaths, with fraudsters potentially threatening service disconnections or demanding additional payments for expedited restoration. Residents should verify claims against official utility company outage information and use only verified contact details for communication.