Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a reminder to residents about the prevalence of scams that often follow severe weather events. This comes as several municipalities in west Michigan deal with the aftermath of recent storms.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties due to damage from thunderstorms and tornadoes on Tuesday.

Nessel warned that "bad actors look at storm cleanup as an opportunity to take advantage of victims who are desperate to repair damage right away." She urged residents to research thoroughly before making significant decisions regarding their homes or businesses.

Residents are advised to contact their insurance companies, consult local licensed professionals, review credentials and references, obtain multiple written estimates, and carefully read contracts before signing.

The Attorney General's Government Imposter Scams Consumer Alert informs residents about potential scams where imposters may pose as government officials or service providers. Criminals might offer fake government funding or prioritize repairs in exchange for personal information or deposits.

Nessel’s Disaster Scams Consumer Alert offers guidance on identifying other common post-disaster scams. The Better Business Bureau is recommended for researching local contractors to avoid predatory practices like price gouging.

A prevalent scam after disasters is the Disaster Relief Charity Scam. Nessel advises donating wisely by verifying organizations' legitimacy and avoiding unknown social media ads. Real charities do not pressure donors or request unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards.

For complaints or more information, residents can contact the Consumer Protection Team in Lansing via phone or online forms. Resources and consumer alerts are available on the Department's website.