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 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 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 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.
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.
Knowing how to guard your personal information is your first line of defense against identity theft.
Michigan Attorney General's robocall initiative is leading several efforts to protect Michigan residents from the billion plus robocalls made to them every year.
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, provides that requesters can receive copies or make inspections of most public records of public bodies upon written request.
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
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
September 04, 2025
LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is highlighting recent actions the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team has taken against out-of-state businesses and individuals accused of taking advantage of Michigan residents. The Department has recently filed lawsuits and secured judgments involving deceptive trade practices, fraudulent companies, and unfair treatment of Michigan consumers.
“Our Consumer Protection Team delivers real results for Michigan residents by pursuing scammers and fraudsters who think they can take advantage of people in our state,” Nessel said. “These cases are just a few examples of why this work matters, because without it, bad actors would continue to prey on hardworking people with no one to hold them accountable. My office will continue to fight for Michiganders and ensure those who try to exploit them are stopped.”
Attorney General Nessel Files Lawsuit Against Ohio Man Operating Tree Service
The Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against an Ohio resident who allegedly deceptively operated under the business name Everest and marketed property maintenance and tree services to Battle Creek residents. The lawsuit alleges:
The lawsuit seeks money damages for impacted Michigan residents, civil fines for violating the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, and an injunction preventing the defendant from engaging in tree services and all other trade and commerce with Michigan consumers.
Attorney General Secures Judgment Against Mississippi Man and Drop-Shipping LLC
Attorney General Nessel secured a judgment (PDF) from the Ingham County Circuit Court for damages, costs and fees of more than $100,000 against Mississippi resident Benjamin Moody and his company, ACF Wholesale, which sold furniture as a drop-shipping model business. The Attorney General filed a lawsuit last year against Moody and his company for their deceptive practices. A recent court ruling has affirmed Michigan’s enforcement efforts despite an attempt to invalidate the judgment in Mississippi.
A drop-shipper acts only as an intermediary between a customer and a manufacturer, typically another retailer or wholesaler, who ships the product directly to the buyer. The typical drop-shipper is positioned between the customer and supplier, does not maintain a stock of merchandise, places orders with suppliers after items are ordered from their storefront, charges in excess of the price they pay for the merchandise as profit, and never sees or handles the products they sell.
While drop-shipping itself is not illegal, ACF Wholesale took orders and payments for furniture and failed to deliver it, fabricated excuses for delay and non-delivery and, in many instances, failed to provide refunds despite promises to do so.
Attorney General Nessel Secures Relief Against Vehicle Service Contracts Company
The Attorney General has also secured a default judgment (PDF) against Opulent Marketing, Inc., Infiniteautoprotection.com, Adam Hakim, Albert Hakim, and U.S. Auto Management LLC totaling more than $500,000 in fines and other relief after filing a lawsuit earlier this year for deceptive business practices. Attorney General Nessel also secured a settlement with one of Opulent Marketing’s owners for $22,000. These funds have been used to begin the process of making restitution to affected Michigan consumers.
Opulent Marketing marketed and sold vehicle service contracts (extended auto warranties) under the name Infinite Auto Protection (IAP), soliciting sales on the internet through a website bearing IAP’s name. The website misrepresented the benefits of the vehicle service agreements, marketing them as “100% Risk Free” and offering a “30 days money back guarantee” on all vehicle service contracts. The website further promised a “Fast 24/7 Claims Process” and a “simple claims process.”
However, Opulent Marketing failed to deliver on these promises, routinely denying and ignoring valid claims and eventually ceasing to pay claims altogether. Customers who attempted to cancel their contracts were denied refunds. Opulent Marketing also misled customers into believing their vehicle service contracts were being sold from a business operating in the State of Michigan. Opulent Marketing rented office space in a building in Romulus, Michigan and put that address on its website despite not having any employees, records, or equipment at the location.
Michigan consumers who suspect consumer protection violations from Everest or other companies are encouraged to contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
###
Author: