LANSING, MI - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) are reminding Michiganders to remain vigilant against scammers impersonating government agencies and officials in an effort to steal personal information, financial information, or money.
State officials continue to receive reports of scammers contacting licensed professionals and consumers by phone, email, fax, phone apps, text message, and fraudulent websites while falsely claiming to represent a government agency. Victims are often told they must make an immediate payment or provide sensitive personal information to avoid consequences such as license suspension, legal action, or arrest.
This warning follows an increase in reports of sophisticated scams targeting LARA licensees, including communications using official-sounding language, spoofed phone numbers, fraudulent websites, and other tactics designed to appear legitimate. Because these scams often involve requests for money or sensitive financial information, the Department of Attorney General, LARA, and DIFS are partnering to remind Michiganders to stay alert and report suspicious activity.
"Fraudsters know that calls, texts, or emails from a government agency will get you to react, so it is imperative to know the signs of an imposter scam," said Attorney General Nessel. "When in doubt, never respond to an urgent message, don't click on attachments, and verify any claims directly with the agency."
LARA encourages all licensed professionals to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited communications regarding their professional license.
"Anyone who receives a suspicious communication claiming to be from LARA should independently verify the source before responding. This could include contacting us separately through State of Michigan resources to confirm the legitimacy of the communication," said LARA Director Marlon I. Brown.
DIFS also reminds consumers to exercise caution whenever someone claiming to be an insurance agent or claiming to be from an insurance company, financial institution, or government agency requests money, banking information, insurance information, or to verify any personal information.
"Protecting Michiganders is central to DIFS’ mission, and as scams continue to become more sophisticated, it is important to remember that the strongest defense is simple: never share any information with someone who contacts you. Don’t trust any text, call, or email, regardless of how legitimate it appears," said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Michiganders should report any suspicious activity related to insurance and financial services either online or by calling DIFS at 877 999 6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
Protect Yourself from Government Imposter Scams
The Department of Attorney General, LARA, and DIFS encourage Michiganders to:
- Be suspicious of unsolicited requests for personal, financial, or licensing information.
- Never provide payment or sensitive information in response to threats made by phone, text message, fax, or email.
- Verify website addresses before entering personal information. Official State of Michigan websites end in michigan.gov.
- Be cautious of emails or text messages containing unexpected links or attachments.
- Never allow someone claiming to represent a government agency to pressure you into making an immediate payment or sharing confidential information.
- If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from LARA, DIFS, or another government agency, end the communication and contact the agency directly using publicly listed contact information.
Government imposter scams continue to evolve, but awareness remains one of the most effective ways to prevent fraud. Taking a moment to verify the source of an unexpected phone call, email, fax, or text message before sharing personal information or making a payment can help protect your identity, your finances, and your professional license.
If you suspect a scam:
If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from a government agency, do not provide personal information or make any payments until you have independently verified the request.
If you believe someone is impersonating LARA:
Contact LARA at LARA-Safety@michigan.gov
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or deceptive business practice:
Contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team.
Consumer Protection Team
Online Complaint Form
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-335-7599
Toll-Free: 877-765-8388
Fax: 517-241-3771
Financial and Insurance Scam Resources
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/difs/consumers/fraud/report-fraud
Consumer Assistance: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints
Fraud Reporting: DIFS’ Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU) investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets and works with the Attorney General and law enforcement to prosecute these crimes. Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to the DIFS FIU safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by visiting Michigan.gov/ReportFraud2DIFS, or by calling 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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