In light of recent severe weather across the state, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents to beware of scam artists and price-gougers who will try to take advantage of desperate home and vehicle owners.
Nessel wants to remind people of her Advice for Homeowners Consumer Alert and caution homeowners against rushing to repair property damage to avoid falling victim to a disaster-related scam. Homeowners should research contractors before paying for a project.
Storm damage also creates an opportunity for utility imposter scams, which often involve a threat to turn off a utility unless the resident pays a certain amount of money in a short amount of time. Scammers can also impersonate a utility company to convince a consumer that a utility — like electricity — can be fixed sooner if they pay an additional fee.
Nessel is also re-issuing a consumer alert related to possible price-gouging by towing companies recovering vehicles that may be abandoned in the case of flooding and reminds drivers to beware of water-damaged vehicles being sold on the used car market.
To file a complaint with the AG, 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