Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is cautioning the public about the prevalence of scams during the NFL Draft in Detroit. Nessel emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “Hosting an event of this stature is exciting for the city of Detroit, Detroit businesses, football fans, and the State at large. Sadly, these large-scale events are also a breeding ground for scams, and bad actors will likely try just about anything to scam you out of your hard-earned money.”

Nessel highlighted the use of phishing emails and smishing texts as common tactics employed by scammers, urging consumers to be cautious of messages that may lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information. She advised individuals to refrain from downloading attachments, clicking on links, or responding to suspicious messages. Instead, Nessel recommended reporting any suspected phishing attempts to relevant authorities.

In addition to digital scams, Nessel also warned attendees of potential threats to their financial information through skimming and shimming at ATMs. To prevent falling victim to these tactics, consumers were advised to use cash when possible, monitor their bank statements for unauthorized charges, and avoid stand-alone ATMs in less secure locations. Nessel also recommended covering the PIN pad when entering personal information to mitigate the risk of card data theft.

For those who become victims of credit card fraud, Nessel advised contacting local law enforcement and reaching out to the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team for further assistance. The team can be contacted through various channels, including phone, fax, and an online complaint form.