The Charitable Trust Section functions for Michigan citizens as a repository of financial and other information about charities they may want to support. At any one time there are more than 10,000 charities registered with the Attorney General's Charitable Trust Section. Most charities soliciting contributions in Michigan are required to register with the Charitable Trust Section. One of the goals of the Attorney General is to help educate the public and to assist them in making wise choices about what charities to support.
The Great Lakes define Michigan’s borders, but they are so much more than that. The Great Lakes are the lifeblood of our state, boosting our economy and providing drinking water and adventure to so many. Their preservation is up to all of us, and we all have a responsibility to protect them.
The Michigan Attorney General has determined that a full and complete investigation of what happened within the Catholic Church is required. This investigation is and will continue to be independent, thorough, transparent, and prompt. My department and this investigation will find out who knew what, and when.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General utilizes the services of Special Assistant Attorneys General from time to time when the unique circumstances of a particular case create the need for specialized services not currently available within the department.
The Conviction Integrity Unit (the “CIU”) investigates claims of innocence to determine whether there is clear and convincing new evidence that the convicted defendant was not the person who committed the offense.
In Michigan, a victim is an individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime.
The Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors - all working together to combat elder abuse.
The laws regarding expungement of criminal offenses in Michigan changed in major ways in April of 2021. This page is designed to help applicants navigate their way through the new laws, help them determine if they are eligible to have convictions expunged, to answer frequently asked questions about the new laws, and to provide links for resources and assistance.
In late 2018, Attorney General Dana Nessel was elected and upon taking office in 2019, she made decisions to put a conflict wall in place that allowed her to lead the civil litigation into the Flint Water Crisis. The Office of Special Counsel was no longer needed, and Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy were tapped to lead the criminal investigation.
To investigate and prosecute hate crimes by following up on every credible tip and offer departmental resources to assist local and federal law enforcement partners in this effort.
The Michigan Attorney General is leading the fight against this horrific crime by prosecuting the state's first-ever criminal cases under state law banning human trafficking in Michigan. Victims of human trafficking are in bondage through force, fraud or coercion, for the purpose of sex or labor exploitation.
Michigan Identity Theft Support
Michigan Attorney General's robocall initiative is leading several efforts to protect Michigan residents from the billion plus robocalls made to them every year.
The Attorney General provides Consumer Alerts to inform the public of unfair, misleading, or deceptive business practices, and to provide information and guidance on other issues of concern. Consumer Alerts are not legal advice, legal authority, or a binding legal opinion from the Department of Attorney General.
The Open Meetings Act (OMA) took effect January 1, 1977. In enacting the OMA, the Legislature promoted a new era in governmental accountability and fostered openness in government to enhance responsible decision making.1 Nothing in the OMA prohibits a public body from adopting an ordinance, resolution, rule, or charter provision that requires a greater degree of openness relative to public body meetings than the standards provided for in the OMA. 2
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Thanks to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020 holiday shopping season will bring new challenges. While many are choosing to stay home as much as possible to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, online shopping is a convenient, stress-free way to shop 24/7. Consumers can research vendors, their products, and make comparisons from the comfort of their home—a luxury that shopping in-store may not provide.
Since the holidays will look a little different this year, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has put together a number of resources to protect you and your wallet during this unprecedented time.
As retailers have had to compensate for an in-person shopping decline along with changing consumer behavior, many of those retailers are making adjustments to make the online shopping experience even more enticing. From special rates, coupon codes and shopping days to early Black Friday deals, consumers no longer have to wait until after Thanksgiving to get started.
Due to the surge in online shopping this season, consumers should be mindful of potential shipping delays. Review shipping estimates before purchasing and follow the tracking details once your order ships. It’s also important to be aware of the vendor’s return/refund policy before you make your purchase. If not, you could run into restocking fees or not have the option to return at all. If you’re shopping on a site that does not have a return policy visible, it is important to consider if making the purchase is worth the risk. For additional details on how to avoid an unhappy return situation, review the corresponding consumer alert.
Some prefer not to online shop because it doesn’t necessarily provide an instant gratification moment, but there is a happy medium with click-and-collect ordering. This type of hybrid version of online shopping allows you to shop from the comfort of your home while also providing the excitement you may desire with curb-side pickup. Retailers and restaurants – both big-box and local – are providing these services as they make adjustments in the midst of a pandemic.
Local delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber and other local contractors, will ferry packages from stores, warehouses, and restaurants to consumer locations. This service industry may have fees and request tips, but can be worth the convenience of not having to leave home. It’s important to watch for hidden charges and ensure your confirmation emails match up with your credit card statement.
The rise in online shopping will also have an impact on the shipping industry and anyone could see major carriers impose fees on packages. Alternative delivery options like BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store), curbside, or parcel lockers are on the rise due to the ability to lessen how many people you come in contact with.\Consumers should also expect delays with shipping. Be sure to look at the vendor’s shipping policy and scheduled delivery date before placing an order. Also ensure you’re familiar with shipping deadlines for major shipping companies during the holidays.
With the convenience of online shopping comes a series of crucial tips that all shoppers must be mindful of. To shop wisely this holiday season, remember the following:
Ultimately, it’s important to plan ahead. Online shopping allows consumers all over the world to research and purchase items in a setting that’s most convenient for them. Keep these tips in mind before you spend your hard-earned money.
To report fraud or if you have a general consumer complaint, you may file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
