Michigan Attorney General Issues Warning About Government Imposter Scams

Scammers are gonna scam, and a popular scam has resurfaced here in Michigan.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an alert this week warning Michiganders about what she calls "government imposter scams".

Get our free mobile app

With this scam, the scammers will send emails, call you, or text you pretending to be government officials. Their goal? To trick you into believing that they are, in fact, from a government agency (or police department).

Sometimes, they'll ask you to update your personal information with their agency. Sometimes they'll demand money. In every case, no matter the request, they are scams.

READ MORE: Celebrity Scams Targeting Michiganders: What to Know

The emails and texts will often contain links or attachments that could give your device a virus, which would give the scammers access to the information on your device.

What to Do if You Believe You've Received a Scam Message or Call

In a release, Attorney General Nessel advises

If someone contacts you claiming to be from the government, protect yourself by reaching out to the agency directly through its official contact information.

You should also block the text, email, or call; report it as spam; and delete it from your device.

This is also a great time to remember that government agencies will never ask you for personal information or demand payment via text, email, or phone. They will also never ask you to pay them via gift cards, cryptocurrency, apps like Venmo or Cash App, or wire transfer.