In response to severe weather wreaking havoc in West Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel is sounding the alarm on potential scams targeting residents grappling with storm aftermath. With Governor Whitmer’s declaration of a state of emergency for several counties, Nessel highlights the critical need for caution against fraudulent schemes.
Residents are urged to engage in thorough due diligence before making any significant decisions, including contacting their insurance provider, consulting licensed professionals, checking credentials, and obtaining multiple written estimates. Nessel’s alerts spotlight government imposter scams and other common post-disaster fraud tactics, emphasizing the importance of skepticism towards solicitations for government aid or charity donations.
To mitigate risks, residents are advised to utilize the Better Business Bureau for researching local companies, especially for tree services, to avoid exploitation. Nessel also offers practical tips for donating securely to legitimate charities and provides contact information for accessing further assistance or filing complaints through the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team. Read more about Disaster Relief Charity Scam.