DIFS Encourages Michiganders to Protect Themselves from Fraud During Consumer Protection Week

Media Contact: [email protected]
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2026

(LANSING, MICH) National Consumer Protection Week is March 1-7, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michiganders about steps they can take to protect themselves from fraud. Consumers who suspect fraud in the insurance or financial services industries are encouraged to report it to the DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU).

"Protecting Michiganders is at the core of DIFS' mission, and National Consumer Protection Week serves as an important reminder for Michiganders to be vigilant about fraud. The most important thing consumers can do to protect themselves is to never give out any information to anyone who contacts them, no matter how legitimate the call, text, or email may seem," said DIFS Director Anita Fox. "Michiganders should report any suspicious activity related to insurance and financial services either online or by calling DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m."

To avoid falling victim to fraud, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• NEVER provide any information to anyone calling, writing, emailing, texting, or messaging you on social media, even if caller ID or an email looks legitimate or the person contacting you says it is for "verification purposes." This information should be provided only when you have initiated contact with the person or business using contact information from their website, statement, or other official documentation.
• Beware of urgency. If the person contacting you says there is a problem that needs to be resolved immediately, do not respond. Instead, call the phone number from your insurance or financial services providers' official documentation so they can verify if there are issues with your account. Do not call phone numbers provided in text messages or voicemails by the person contacting you, and never reply to unsolicited text messages, emails, or social media messages.
• Use Multifactor Authentication and protect passwords and security codes. Strengthen your account security by using multifactor authentication, which requires a second step after entering your password, such as security codes sent via text or email, in order to access your account. It is crucial that you never share these passwords or security codes with anyone.
• Do NOT cash checks from unverified sources and be on the lookout for overpayment or refund scams. This is a very common fraud in which scammers send you a check for more than the amount they owe you for a purchase or for a refund from an entity they claim to represent. Commonly, the scammer will alert you, ask you to cash the check and keep what is owed to you, and request you to send them the extra money. What you will find later is that the check you received was fake, and you are now on the hook to repay all the funds to the financial institution where you cashed the check.

The DIFS FIU investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets, and DIFS works with the Attorney General and other state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate these cases and refer them for prosecution.

Suspected fraud in the insurance and financial sectors can be reported to the FIU safely, easily, and, in most cases, anonymously by visiting Michigan.gov/ReportFraud2DIFS. Consumers with questions or concerns about their insurance or financial services can contact DIFS Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 877-999-6442, or by emailing [email protected].

In addition to the work done by the FIU, DIFS also offers a variety of resources to help fight fraud, including the DIFS website, publications, social media, videos, and the DIFS Locator, which enables consumers to verify they are working with properly licensed individuals and businesses in the insurance and financial services industries.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn.

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