13-05-2025
State warns residents of refund scams
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is reminding residents of the dangers of refund scams and how to avoid them.
'Consumers should be skeptical anytime anyone contacts them with the promise of unexpected money,' said DIFS Director Anita Fox in a statement. 'Never respond to an unsolicited email or text, and certainly never give out personal or financial information. DIFS is committed to providing Michiganders with resources and guidance to avoid falling victim to these scams.'
The department says that criminals will pretend to work at legitimate places, such as banks, the local government, insurance companies or even local businesses in an attempt to scam people.
To avoid being scammed, DIFS says it is important to never give information from any accounts to someone through social media or to someone calling, texting or emailing.
The department also reminded residents to never cash checks from sources that are unverified, to never pay up front when trying to reclaim money from a refund and to always do your research on businesses that are claiming to help you recoup money.
If you are scammed or a victim of fraud, DIFS recommends contacting the company or financial institution with the compromised account. If the request is not handled correctly, you can contact DIFS directly at 877.999.6442.
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