Great Lakes Wire

Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a cease and desist notice to MTVRS, LLC, a Texas-based company, for allegedly misleading consumers through websites that sell tickets to Mackinac Island attractions. The Michigan Attorney General's office claims the company violated the Michigan Consumer Protection Act by operating two websites that give the impression of being official sources for tickets.

“Mackinac Island welcomes more than a million visitors each year, and they deserve to know that the tickets they purchase online will get them onto the ferry and into popular attractions,” said Nessel. “My office remains committed to pursuing bad actors who attempt to take advantage of Michigan residents and visitors.”

One of the sites operated by MTVRS, fortmackinactickets.com, is said to mimic the official website responsible for selling Fort Mackinac tickets. These legitimate tickets are sold by a governmental agency dedicated to park preservation on mackinacparks.com. According to the Attorney General’s notice, MTVRS uses similar logos and charges higher prices. Although there is a disclosure stating no connection with Fort Mackinac, it appears far down on the page after several opportunities for ticket purchases, which allegedly does not meet state requirements.

A second site managed by MTVRS, mackinacticketing.com, reportedly copies schedule information and addresses from Shepler’s Ferry—an official ferry service provider—to create confusion among consumers seeking ferry tickets. The official Shepler’s Ferry website is sheplersferry.com. The Attorney General alleges that MTVRS adds an extra $7.95 fee before using customers’ payment details to buy actual tickets from Shepler’s website.

Operators of both Fort Mackinac and Shepler’s Ferry have reported multiple cases where visitors arrived with only an email confirmation from MTVRS that was not valid for entry or travel.

MTVRS has been given until October 6 to either remove or alter its websites so they comply with Michigan law. The company must also meet with the Department of Attorney General in an effort to reach an agreement ensuring future compliance. If these steps are not taken, legal action and civil fines may follow.