Beware: Email and Phone Scams

Please be aware that there are people who use the telephone, mail and email system in an attempt to extort money from you. Please do not send money, your bank account number, credit card number or social security number to anyone or any company that you are not very familiar with.

These scams usually promise some sort of US government benefit or grant money for school. Other messages come from people who write about their difficult circumstances and ask for your financial help. Please remain vigilant and protect yourself.

Please beware of the following:

• Any phone call or email where someone is trying to get you to send money to get money.
  
• Do not send money or give out bank, credit card or social security numbers.
  
• Anyone who calls or emails you more than one time with such offers and tries to establish a "relationship" with you so that you will feel more comfortable in handing over your money bank, credit card or social security numbers.
  
• Anyone who calls or emails you and threatens you in an attempt to get you to send them money or any of your bank, credit card or social security numbers.
  
• Any other kind of scam via phone, e-mail, or mail.
  
• Be careful when purchasing products over the internet from companies that you have never heard of.

If you get any of these phone calls or emails, ask them their name, the name of their company, where they are calling from and then firmly tell them you are not interested and hang up.

If the phone calls continue, bring this information to OISS and we will report it to the appropriate authorities.

To file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, please click here .

More information can be obtained from the US Department of Justice or Better Business Bureau of Eastern Michigan websites.

Video link: Phishing Scams in Plain English