This holiday season, the Michigan Department of Attorney General has compiled resources for all Michiganders as they prepare to shop in-store, online, or donate to a charity. Our proactive holiday scams campaign begins on Friday, November 29, 2024, and continues through Friday, January 3, 2025.
Follow the AG's official Facebook, X, and Instagram pages along with subscribing to the Department's consumer alerts to receive the most up-to-date consumer news and our holiday newsletter.
Consumers are also encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Team to file a complaint online.
Please have a safe holiday season!
Holiday shopping? Keep your credit card information safe!
Check out the AG’s Credit Card Safety tips for a secure shopping season!
Watch out for fake websites!
Criminals can create convincing sites that look just like real businesses.
Double-check for quality and avoid suspicious links. Use Google’s Safe Browsing tool to spot the fakes!
Don’t fall for online holiday shopping tricks!
Countdown timers, “only a few left,” and “popular item” alerts are often just pressure tactics.
Stay savvy—check the AG’s Online Shopping alert to avoid holiday scams!
Donating this season?
Watch out for red flags! Verify charities, ask questions, and know where your money goes.
Check the AG’s Wise Charitable Giving tips to avoid holiday scams!
Keep your packages safe from porch pirates:
Learn more with the AG’s Prevent Identity Theft alert!
Prevent Identity Theft: Protect Your Mail and Packages from Porch Pirates
Stay safe online this season! Before you click:
Ransomware is no holiday bonus!
Check out the AG’s tips to secure your tech.
Computer Ransomware - What Is It?
Watch Out for Bait-and-Switch Travel Scams!
Protect your wallet and travel with confidence this season!
When businesses conspire to set prices at an unfair level, instead of letting the market decide - that’s price fixing!
It’s illegal and harms consumers!
Report price fixing and protect your pocket this holiday season.
Hey! Why Isn't That Price Fixing? The Real Story of Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Prices
Waiting on holiday packages? So are scammers!
Watch out for fake USPS notifications:
USPS will never ask for payment or sensitive details via text or email. Always verify before you click!
Stay ahead of holiday shipping scams with tips from our Phishing Scams alert.
Thinking of adopting a furry friend?
Watch for Pet Scam Red Flags:
Stay Safe: Verify breeders and read the AG’s Puppy Scams alert for tips!
Beware of fake calls!
Scammers can use AI to mimic voices and caller IDs.
Don’t let a “help, it’s me!” trick you—always verify before sending money!
Check out the AG’s tips on AI scams to stay safe this season.
Check Your List Twice!
Review your credit card statements regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.
Stay alert and protect your finances this holiday season!
For more tips, read the AG's "Did I Charge That?" alert.
Gifting Circle or Pyramid Scheme? Know the Difference!
Gifting Circles:
Pyramid Schemes:
Stay safe—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Gifting Circles Good, Gifting Circles Bad: How to Spot an Illegal Pyramid Scheme
Each year, our Consumer Protection Team helps consumers by informally mediating complaints that fall within our jurisdiction. The process includes a letter from our team to the business or individual in the complaint. Please review the complaint directory before filing a complaint.
You can file a complaint online, by fax, or U.S. mail.
To learn more about our consumer complaint process, visit Consumer Protection online or call 517-335-7599. In-state residents can also call toll-free 877-765-8388.
Are you able to spot the signs of a scam when you see them?
Scammers are creative, coming up with new and more effective ways to trick you into handing over money or personal information. Arming yourself with knowledge about their current tactics is the best way to make sure you don’t get scammed.
We're thrilled to introduce the new consumer alert search feature. You can now search all of our consumer alerts by topic, category, or keyword.
If you would like to receive email from the Attorney General, click the appropriate category and enter your email address.
