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• File a Complaint
  Anyone who has spotted or been the victim of a scam can file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team mediates complaints but cannot act as your private attorney. 

• Michigan's Scanner Law - The Shopping Reform and Modernization Act 
  Michigan’s Scanner Law, effective since 2011, ensures pricing transparency. Retailers must display prices but are not required to mark items individually. If a scanner overcharges, consumers are entitled to a refund of the price difference plus a bonus of 10 times the difference (minimum $1, maximum $5). Complaints must be filed within 30 days. Consumers can sue if refunds and bonuses aren’t provided. 

• Drop-Shipping: What you Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Online 
  Drop-shipping involves selling goods not kept in stock, with orders fulfilled by third parties. While legal, it poses risks for buyers and sellers. Buyers may face inflated prices, delays, or counterfeit goods, especially from social media ads. 

• Credit Card Safety - Keep Your Accounts Safe 
  Credit cards offer convenience and fraud protection but require vigilance to stay secure. Protect your accounts by using strong passwords, enabling alerts, and avoiding public Wi-Fi for transactions. 

• Data Breaches: What to do Next
  Act quickly if you suspect misuse of your information to limit liability and prevent long-term damage. For assistance, review identity theft resources and take advantage of free credit monitoring services offered after breaches. 

• Gifting Circles Good, Gifting Schemes Bad: How to Spot an Illegal Pyramid Scheme
  Unlike legitimate gift exchanges, these endeavors operate like pyramid schemes and focus on recruitment. Participants risk financial loss, identity theft, and legal penalties. Pyramid schemes are illegal in Michigan, punishable by fines and imprisonment. 

• Business Sudden Closure - Protect Yourself 
  The Michigan Attorney General advises consumers to act quickly if a business suddenly closes before goods or services are delivered. Consumers should dispute charges with credit card companies, stop payments on checks, and contact finance companies for financing issues. 

• Avoiding Unhappy Returns - Returning Merchandise Bought Online or In the Store
  Return policies vary by retailer, with many imposing time limits, requiring receipts, or offering store credit. Consumers should research policies, especially for gift items and online purchases. 

• Payment Apps and Scams 
  Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Venmo and Google Pay offer convenience but come with risks, including irreversible transactions and a lack of federal regulation. Scammers exploit these apps, using tactics such as impersonating banks or businesses to steal money. 

• Phishing Scams 
  Phishing is a cyberattack where criminals pose as trusted sources to steal sensitive information or money through emails, texts, or fake websites. Common methods include smishing (texts), vishing (calls), and spoofing (fake websites).