LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued an urgent consumer alert warning residents about government imposter scams utilizing advanced phone “spoofing” technology.
The Department of Attorney General reported that fraudsters are manipulating caller ID displays to mirror actual state phone numbers, tricking citizens into believing they are speaking with legitimate authorities.
In recent cases, scammers have impersonated state officials to demand immediate tax payments, threatening victims and forcing them to transfer funds using cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or prepaid gift cards.
In response to the spike in complaints, Nessel reminded the public that authentic state agencies never demand immediate payments via text, email, or over the phone, nor do they accept unusual payment forms such as wire transfers or mobile apps.
State officials strongly urge residents to immediately hang up on unsolicited, high-pressure callers and independently contact the agency in question.
Anyone who suspects they have been targeted or wishes to file a formal report should contact the Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Team at 877-765-8388.
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