Michigan Attorney General Issues Warning About Post-Storm Scams

After brutal storms ripped through most of Michigan over the weekend, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning about scammers.

👇These Michigan Weather Records May Never Be Broken👇

It was a wild weather weekend across the state of Michigan, with massive ice storms hitting parts of the Upper Peninsula and northern lower Michigan and tornadoes and high winds blowing through the southern part of the state.

There are still tens of thousands of homes without power throughout the state.

While crews are still working to open roads, clean up downed trees and power lines, and restore power to many across the state, AG Nessel has issued a warning to Michiganders about predatory post-storm scams.

She says,

Common Post-Storm Scams

According to the attorney general, there are several types of common post-storm scams.

READ MORE: Extreme Weather Takes Down Popular Michigan Radio Station's Tower

These include

• Posing as a Government Official - Scammers will contact Michiganders claiming that they represent the state or federal government and inform homeowners that they have been chosen to receive financial assistance with repairs.
• Price Gouging - Due to power outages and difficulty traveling due to road conditions, flooding, and downed trees and power lines, it's natural that needs for certain things become far higher. Price gouging is when businesses charge prices that are "grossly in excess" of the regular price of those items. The state has an online portal where consumers can report suspected price gouging.
• Home and Property Repair Scams - With the high winds and ice in various parts of Michigan over the weekend, this is one that Michiganders really need to be on the lookout for. These scammers often come door-to-door and offer "one-time-only" deals. They may also pressure you to act right away and present you with an overly confusing contract. If asked, these scammers are usually unable to provide any sort of license for their business. They also often ask for the work to be paid for in cash in advance. The attorney general's office recommends that any time you have storm damage, you contact your insurance company and speak to local, licensed professionals.

Bad News For Lower Michigan - More Extreme Weather on the Way

To make matters worse, there's a strong possibility for more severe weather across lower Michigan on Wednesday (April 2). Meteorologists are saying that these Wednesday afternoon and evening storms could produce heavy rain, damaging winds, and, potentially, tornadoes.