Michigan AG Warns of Post-Storm Scams and Protects Consumers' Rights

The Michigan Attorney General's Office is on high alert following recent storms, warning residents to remain vigilant against scams that commonly arise in the wake of severe weather events.

With extensive damage reported across the state, Attorney General Dana Nessel stresses the importance of caution when dealing with repair services and utility providers. Nessel notes that the urgency to repair and restore normalcy can lead to rushed decisions exploited by fraudulent individuals. To combat this, the Attorney General's Office has reissued an "After the Disaster Consumer Alert," advising residents to verify claims and demand proper documentation before hiring for repair work or services.

Combatting Fraud After Storms

Scammers frequently capitalize on the chaos following a storm by posing as legitimate repairmen or utility workers. The Attorney General’s Office has highlighted the prevalence of Utility Imposter Scams, where fraudsters threaten service disconnections or promise quicker restoration for a fee. Nessel advises residents to confirm any such claims directly with their utility providers. This defensive approach aims to protect consumers during vulnerable times, ensuring their rights are safeguarded.

Protecting Consumers' Interests

In an effort to address outage-related grievances, the Michigan Attorney General has introduced a Power Outage Credit Feedback & Inquiry Form. This form serves as a tool for residents to report extended outages or raise issues regarding credits not received from utility companies. By gathering this data, the office continues its advocacy for ratepayers, aiming for greater transparency and fairness.

Consumers looking to report scams or seeking additional information can reach the Consumer Protection Team via multiple channels. These include postal mail, telephone, and an online complaint form. This initiative reflects the broader commitment of the Attorney General’s Office to protect consumer rights in the aftermath of severe weather events.

• Verify claims and seek documentation before hiring repair services.
• Be cautious of utility imposter scams threatening disconnection.
• Use the Power Outage Credit Feedback & Inquiry Form for unresolved utility issues.
• Contact the Consumer Protection Team for further assistance or to file complaints.