Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning about a scam where fraudsters impersonate the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team. The scammers use spoofing technology to make the recipient's caller ID display the name “Consumer Protection Division” and a legitimate phone number associated with the Department. They falsely claim that the recipient’s information is "flagged" with credit agencies and threaten that their credit cards and banking accounts will be shut down unless an immediate payment is made.

The Department of Attorney General emphasizes that it will never call to demand money or request fees to resolve any “flagged account.” It does not shut down accounts or negotiate credit card debt over the phone. Attorney General Nessel advises consumers against providing personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.

“This scam is alarming and designed to manipulate consumers into making hasty, costly decisions,” said Nessel. “My office does not call consumers to demand money, charge fees to resolve ‘flagged accounts,’ or negotiate credit card debt over the phone. If you think you’ve received a scam call from the Department of Attorney General, please hang up and contact us directly.”

For reporting scams, filing complaints, or obtaining additional information, consumers can reach out to the Consumer Protection Team at:

Consumer Protection Team

P.O. Box 30213

Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 517-335-7599

Fax: 517-241-3771

Toll-free: 877-765-8388

An online complaint form is also available for convenience.