• call out of the blue and ask for a Social Security number; 
• ask for payment by gift card, bitcoin or other digital currency or wire transfer; or 
• threaten to suspend anyone’s Social Security number -- this cannot be done. 

“The actions of these bad actors threaten to undermine resources that seniors rely on every day by using them as vehicles for fraud,” Nessel said. “The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to be suspicious of anyone calling to ask for your personal information. My office’s Consumer Protection Team stands ready to answer your questions and provide assistance whenever it is needed.” 

Nessel and ACL recommend following these tips to protect your personal and financial information: 

• End a call right away if you have any suspicions about the caller.  
• Never provide your Social Security number, bank account information, or Medicare number to someone who phones, messages, or emails you unsolicited.
• Never use a gift card or wire transfer to make payment to someone you do not know.
• Never open email attachments or links unless you know the sender.
• Join the National Do Not Call Registry. 

You can review the Department of Attorney General’s Imposter Scams page for more information. If you think you have been a victim of an imposter scam, you can file a consumer complaint or get additional information by contacting the Michigan Department of Attorney General: