In an effort to be proactive, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents of door-to-door scammers who may try to pose as government officials offering information on stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, or other programs and services in place during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“While we are not aware of any specific instances of door-to-door scammers in Michigan, residents should be prepared for anything in this time of emergency,” Nessel said. “Scammers will attempt to deceive you and steal personal information or money in all kinds of ways and going door-to-door is not a new tactic. Do not fall for these tricks.”
Any contact from someone posing as an individual should be verified by asking for credentials, or independently contacting the agency or entity the person claims to be representing. Reports of any door-to-door scammers should be reported to law enforcement agencies where the scam is taking place and can be reported to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team.
Reports can be filed online at www.michigan.gov/ag or by calling Consumer Protection tip line at 877-765-8388.
Scammers could pose as government officials providing unemployment assistance, utility workers offering service or even census workers. Scammers will often try to ask for some type of fee in exchange for the service offered, or persuade an individual to provide personal or financial information.
Generally, census workers begin making door-to-door visits this time of year, but those operations have been delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. For additional information on identifying census workers, visit https://2020census.gov/en/census-takers.html.
Residents should not provide information to unsolicited requesters, including over the phone, through email, or social media.
Consumers are encouraged to?file consumer complaints online?with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, www.michigan.gov/ag, or call 877-765-8388.
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