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**Summary:** Three men operating a home repair scam targeted seniors in the Taylor, Michigan area, specifically around Mason and Bailey streets, by posing as workers and entering homes without permission to solicit repair services. When an 81-year-old homeowner discovered one of the men inside his home offering driveway crack-sealing services, he confronted the intruder, leading to a physical altercation in which the homeowner was thrown to the ground. Police are seeking the three suspects who drive a dark blue Chevy Equinox.

The Better Business Bureau identified online purchase scams as the top scam type in 2024, where victims visit fraudulent websites that either fail to deliver purchased items or steal their information, with individual losses typically ranging from $20-$50 but affecting hundreds of people across the state. Phishing scams, which doubled in West Michigan last year, are also increasingly prevalent, with scammers sending deceptive text messages claiming packages are late or toll fees are owed to trick victims into providing payment or personal information.

Jury duty phone scams are increasing across Oakland County, Michigan, with scammers impersonating law enforcement and claiming victims owe money for missed jury duty to frighten them into paying. A Birmingham resident nearly fell for the scam after receiving a realistic voicemail from a local number with prompts mimicking the sheriff's department, though the Oakland County Sheriff's Department warns the public to recognize these calls as fraudulent schemes.

This article is not about elder fraud or scams—it's a comedic piece about a Michigan priest who runs a gun buyback program offering Target gift cards to incentivize residents to turn in firearms. The program successfully collected guns in exchange for $5,000 in gift cards during its first event, which drew a 2-mile-long line of participants. This is a community violence reduction initiative, not a fraud case.

Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults, particularly those over 75, using sweepstakes, impersonation, and text message scams to steal money and personal information. Law enforcement agencies recommend treating all unsolicited communications as potential scams and emphasize that education and skepticism are the best defenses against these frauds, with experts advising never to trust unexpected offers or requests for personal information.

Scammers in West Michigan are targeting residents with tech support scams, posing as representatives from major companies like Microsoft or Dell and claiming to have detected computer issues. Once victims grant remote access to their computers, scammers either steal money directly or install malware to harvest sensitive data including banking information and social security numbers, which can then be used for identity theft, credit fraud, and unauthorized loans.

Romance scams are surging, with Barclays data showing a 20% spike in the first quarter compared to the previous year, primarily originating on social media and online dating platforms. A Northeast Ohio woman's ex-husband, a nursing home resident seeking companionship, lost tens of thousands of dollars after meeting someone on TikTok who claimed to be visiting from Michigan, illustrating how quickly these scams escalate from initial contact to financial exploitation.

**Summary:** Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a fraud alert after scammers sent phishing emails impersonating her, claiming to help recipients whose tax refunds were being stolen but actually attempting to collect personal information. The fraudulent emails, sent from fake Gmail accounts with broken English and poor grammar, falsely claimed to address tax refund complaints and asked recipients for sensitive details. Nessel reminded consumers that government agencies do not collect federal tax debt via email or phone, and the IRS never demands immediate payment, threatens arrest, or requests personal information electronically.

A Troy grocery store manager was charged with embezzling at least $750,000 from Fresh Thyme Market between July 2022 and November 2023 by manipulating newly installed self-checkout kiosks to which he had access. Trevor Beaver, 31, of Roseville, admitted to the theft after an audit system implemented in October 2023 revealed significant discrepancies in cash deposits, with Beaver having strategically scheduled himself as the sole manager responsible for daily cash handling. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years to life imprisonment.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and state Rep. Jasper Martus hosted an educational presentation in Mt. Morris Township designed to teach senior citizens how to identify and avoid scams targeting older adults. The event, held on February 23 at the Krapohl Senior Center, was part of Nessel's broader Elder Abuse Task Force initiative launched in 2019, which comprises over 55 public, private, and nonprofit organizations working to protect Michigan seniors from fraud and deception.

In 2023, consumers reported losing a record $10 billion to fraud and scams—a 14% increase from 2022—according to FTC data, with 2.6 million fraud reports filed nationwide and approximately 700,000 people reporting financial losses. Common scams included romance fraud, fake bank and tech support calls, and impersonation schemes, with criminals exploiting digital payment methods including bank transfers ($1.86 billion) and cryptocurrency ($1.41 billion). Michigan consumers alone lost $151.7 million to fraud in 2023, with a median loss of $410 per victim.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will host a free educational presentation on February 26 at the Madison Heights Active Adult Center to address common scams targeting senior citizens. The discussion covers imposter scams where con artists pose as relatives, utility workers, government officials, or romantic interests, often using artificial intelligence and creating false urgency to pressure victims into sending money via untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Authorities recommend seniors verify caller identities through independent contact information, never share personal financial details without confirmation, and report suspected scams to local police or the Federal Trade Commission.

Following disaster declarations from last summer's tornadoes and storms in Michigan, FEMA warned residents to be alert for scams targeting disaster victims seeking reimbursement. Scammers impersonate legitimate disaster relief workers or contractors, attempting to obtain personal information (Social Security numbers, banking details) or advance payments, while FEMA emphasized it never requests money upfront, asks for repayment of grant funds, or solicits personal financial information by phone. Residents are advised to verify worker credentials with official laminated FEMA ID badges and to report suspected fraud to FEMA's disaster fraud hotline at (866) 720-5721.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel conducted an educational outreach event at a senior center in Mt. Morris to teach seniors how to identify and avoid scams, emphasizing that while AI-generated deepfakes and voice-emulation scams are real threats, education is the best defense. Nessel stressed that seniors are disproportionately impacted by scams and advised vigilance against criminals posing as banks, government agencies, and other trusted entities through email and phone calls. She encouraged victims to report scams to local police.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a tax identity theft alert in February 2024, urging residents to file taxes early to prevent criminals from using stolen personal information to claim fraudulent refunds. The alert provides guidance on protecting Social Security numbers, using secure filing methods, and recognizing IRS scams, while advising victims of tax-related identity theft to contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit and file an FTC complaint.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel visited the Krapohl Senior Center in Mt. Morris Township to educate seniors on identifying and avoiding common scams. She emphasized that seniors should verify suspicious calls by contacting the Attorney General's office rather than acting immediately, noting that scammers typically hang up when faced with this response. Residents can report scams online at michigan.gov/consumerprotection.

A 44-year-old Battle Creek man was charged with a 5-year felony for allegedly embezzling from his elderly father's debit card while the father was in an assisted living facility from November 2021 to September 2022, using the funds for personal bills and purchases without legal authority. The case highlights financial exploitation of vulnerable adults in care settings and authorities encourage reporting suspected elder abuse through the Michigan Attorney General's office.

**Summary:** Clayton Yorks, 44, of Battle Creek, Michigan was charged with embezzling $1,000-$20,000 from his elderly father, a vulnerable adult in assisted living, by using the father's debit card for personal expenses from November 2021 to September 2022 without legal authority. Yorks was arraigned on the five-year felony charge and released on a $5,000 bond, with preliminary examination scheduled for March 20, 2024. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized that vulnerable adults' finances are protected under law and encouraged reporting suspected elder abuse through the state's Elder Financial Exploitation complaint webform.

Dr. Rainna Furnari Brazil, a 57-year-old Michigan osteopathic physician, was charged with insurance fraud after allegedly receiving over $300,000 in disability payments from Unum Life Insurance between 2018 and 2021 while working as a physician and concealing her employment from the insurer. Brazil faces multiple felony counts including false pretenses and insurance fraud, with potential sentences up to 20 years imprisonment. The case was referred by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, which emphasizes that such fraud increases insurance costs for all consumers.

West Michigan seniors attended a Better Business Bureau educational session at Portage Senior Center to learn fraud prevention tactics, including how to identify online shopping scams, identity theft schemes, and other common scams targeting older adults. The presentation included real-life examples and resources to help participants recognize and avoid scams, with one attendee noting she nearly fell victim to a scam requesting personal numbers before recognizing the warning signs.

**Summary:** On July 30, 2023, a casino supervisor at Four Winds Casino in Hartford, Michigan fell for an impersonation scam when someone posing as the tribal chairperson requested urgent funds, resulting in the supervisor delivering $700,000 in cash to unknown individuals at an Indiana gas station. Jesus Gaytan-Garcia was arrested months later after investigators matched him to one of the recipients, with physical evidence including a cash bundle bearing the casino's name found at his residence. This case reflects a rising trend of telephone scams targeting tribal and commercial gaming operations nationwide.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced a new Welfare Fraud Pretrial Diversion Program in March 2024, created jointly with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to allow first-time welfare fraud offenders to avoid criminal prosecution by paying full restitution instead. The program is available only to those with no prior welfare fraud convictions who defrauded the system for less than $10,000, allowing participants to repay stolen benefits on a negotiated payment plan while avoiding criminal convictions that could impact employment and housing prospects. The program received 31 cases within its first week of launch.

Michigan state health and insurance officials warned seniors about Medicare scams coinciding with the December 7 Open Enrollment deadline, where fraudsters impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information like Medicare ID numbers and Social Security numbers to make unauthorized plan changes. The agencies advised seniors never to share personal information with unsolicited callers, visitors, or online contacts, and to contact Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 or Medicare.gov for legitimate coverage questions, noting that Medicare never calls or visits homes requesting personal information.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert in March 2024 warning renters and homebuyers about fraudulent real estate listings on platforms like Zillow and Facebook Marketplace. The scams involved non-existent properties, artificially low prices, and upfront deposit demands, with one example requiring a $4,500 deposit before viewing and another property used for four separate scams. The alert advises consumers to watch for red flags including wire transfer requests, requests for verification codes or personal financial information, spelling/grammar errors, and prices significantly lower than comparable properties in the area.

In 2023, U.S. consumers lost a median of $1,167 to travel and vacation scams, prompting the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan to issue warnings about common tactics used by scammers who exploit travelers with unrealistically low prices and fake deals. The BBB recommends consumers plan ahead, research thoroughly, obtain written trip details, use credit cards for payment, and avoid posting travel plans on social media to prevent falling victim to scams year-round.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued consumer alerts warning residents about disaster-related scams and government imposter scams ahead of severe weather forecasts in March 2024. The alert advises homeowners to avoid price-gougers and fraudulent contractors who exploit storm damage situations by recommending verification of contractor credentials, consultation with insurance companies, obtaining written contracts, and avoiding cash payments or upfront full payment. Residents were also encouraged to report power outages to help the Attorney General's office advocate for consumers regarding utility service reliability.

A 73-year-old Michigan woman lost approximately $700,000 over several months after being deceived by a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission lawyer who claimed she had won a $3.5 million sweepstakes prize and a new car, but needed to send money upfront to secure the winnings. The victim purchased expensive jewelry and wired checks to the fraudster until a friend convinced her the scheme was illegitimate and urged her to contact police, prompting an investigation by Troy Police Department. The case underscores common sweepstakes scam tactics and highlights the importance of recognizing red flags such as unsolicited prize claims, requests for upfront payment, and impersonation

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel visited the Flint Association of the Deaf to warn senior citizens, particularly deaf and hard of hearing individuals, about common scams. The most prevalent scams involve fraudsters impersonating banks, credit unions, or utility companies to steal credit card and bank account information, and Nessel advised never trusting caller ID and instead calling back using verified phone numbers. She emphasized that vulnerable populations across all communities are targeted and urged residents to contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General at 1-877-765-8388 or file online complaints if they suspect scam activity.

This is not an elder fraud article. The content describes Michigan's utility customer advocacy resources, including information about outage credits, billing practices, and consumer protections for utility services. It does not contain information about scams, fraud, or elder abuse relevant to the Elderus database.

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In late January 2024, the Sebewaing Light & Water Department fell victim to a phishing scam in which an unknown third party, likely located overseas, impersonated a legitimate vendor and fraudulently obtained funds from the utility. The fraud was detected on January 23, 2024, and immediately reported to Michigan State Police, with the investigation ongoing. The department cautioned residents to remain vigilant against fraudulent emails and online scams, advising victims to contact law enforcement immediately.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a cryptocurrency alert during Financial Literacy Month, warning consumers about investment fraud risks. According to the FTC, over 46,000 people reported losing more than $1 billion to cryptocurrency scams (60 times the 2018 figure), with $575 million involving fraudulent investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns and use fake tracking websites or demand additional "fees" to withdraw funds. The alert advises potential investors to research thoroughly, avoid high-pressure sales tactics, never invest more than they can afford to lose, and be wary of anyone demanding cryptocurrency payments or guaranteeing profits.

Marysville United Methodist Church is hosting Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on April 27 for a community presentation on senior scams, part of the church's "Lunch and Learn" series. According to a University of Michigan study cited in the event announcement, more than two-thirds of older Michigan residents have reported scam attempts in the past two years, with seniors particularly vulnerable to phone, mail, and online fraud. The free event will provide information on how seniors can avoid scams and reduce their victimization risk.

Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force marked its fifth anniversary in March 2024 with significant accomplishments in protecting seniors, including adoption of standardized vulnerable adult incident reporting forms, required fraud reporting by financial institutions and brokers, improved power of attorney laws, and enhanced training for law enforcement on elder abuse cases. Effective July 1, 2024, Michigan's new Uniform Power of Attorney Act aligns with 31 other states and is expected to reduce guardianship proceedings and financial exploitation by requiring agents to maintain records and imposing penalties for abuse.

The Manistique Senior Center announced an educational presentation by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on June 14 on senior scams and fraud prevention. The center also promotes various community programs including a grief support group, gardening activities, bake sale, movie screenings, game night, and card-making classes.

Scammers are targeting Michigan residents with phishing text messages that impersonate banks and credit unions, directing victims to fake websites designed to steal usernames, passwords, and account access. The scam is particularly effective because legitimate banks send account alert texts, making fraudulent messages appear authentic; older adults and teens are especially vulnerable. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to watch for red flags including 10-digit sender numbers, links in texts (real banks request only yes/no replies), and URLs with extra characters.

Scammers are sending text messages that mimic legitimate bank alerts to Michigan residents, directing them to fake banking websites designed to steal login credentials and account access. The scam is particularly effective because banks do send genuine account alerts via text, making fraudulent messages appear authentic, and older adults and teens are especially vulnerable. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to watch for red flags including sender phone numbers, embedded links, and URLs with extra characters, as legitimate banks typically request only yes/no replies rather than directing users to click links.

**Summary:** Scammers in West Michigan are posing as banks and credit unions via text messages with fraudulent account-problem links to steal customers' bank account information and cash. The article notes that "anyone could fall for it," highlighting the sophistication of these phishing scams targeting Michigan residents.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel re-issued an alert in April 2024 warning small and midsized business owners about tax scams targeting entrepreneurs during tax season, including W-2 phishing schemes, fraudulent Employer Identification Number websites, and IRS imposter calls demanding immediate payment. Scammers use threats of legal action, fake tax bills, and refund promises to deceive business owners and employees, putting company data and finances at serious risk. The AG recommends businesses implement security protocols, train employees to recognize scams, and report suspected fraud to the IRS, FTC, or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Dr. Rainna Furnari Brazil, a 57-year-old Michigan osteopathic physician, was bound over for trial on charges of insurance fraud after allegedly collecting over $400,000 in disability insurance payments from Unum Life Insurance Company between 2017 and 2021 while continuing to work as a physician. Brazil is charged with multiple felonies including three counts of False Pretenses for amounts over $100,000, insurance fraud, and failure to file taxes, and is accused of repeatedly lying to the insurance company about her employment status. The case was referred by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Fraud Investigation Unit to the Attorney General's office for prosecution.

Helen Grace Caldwell, a 59-year-old former Citibank wealth adviser in Chicago, was sentenced to 2½ years in prison for defrauding three elderly clients of nearly $1.5 million through a scheme in which she convinced them to invest their life savings in her film production company, Canal Productions, then diverted the funds to personal expenses. Caldwell, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud, told victims their money would fund movie productions and generate profits, but instead transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to her personal accounts to pay for home renovations, car repairs, and other personal purchases. The judge rejected her plea for probation, stating that probation would be "

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a ticket purchasing alert ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, warning consumers about scams targeting ticket buyers. Scammers use fake websites, counterfeit tickets, and peer-to-peer payment apps to defraud fans purchasing VIP draft tickets (priced from hundreds to thousands of dollars), while general entry remains free through official registration. The AG recommends buying only from reputable vendors using credit cards, researching sellers through the Better Business Bureau, and avoiding P2P payment apps like Venmo and Cash App that offer no fraud protections.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents and visitors attending the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit about two primary parking scams: fraudsters selling unauthorized parking spaces in privately owned lots (leading to tickets, towing, or theft) and scammers issuing fake parking citations via QR codes or websites requesting online payment. The AG recommended obtaining receipts for legitimate parking, verifying valet services beforehand, and authenticating tickets through official city websites before making any payments.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning in April 2024 urging consumers attending the NFL Draft in Detroit to watch out for scams including phishing emails, smishing texts, and credit card skimming at ATMs. The advisory provided guidance on avoiding these common fraud tactics, such as not clicking suspicious links, using cash when possible, and monitoring bank statements for unauthorized charges. Victims of fraud were directed to contact local police and the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team for assistance.

This article does not contain information about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. It is a government press release announcing Charles A. Grandy's appointment as Berrien County Public Administrator in Michigan, detailing his professional background and qualifications for the position.

Jorrel Tyler Jackson, a 31-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that targeted senior citizens across multiple states, causing $1,584,077 in losses to 22 victims. Jackson's role involved collecting cash packages from victims and recruiting others; the scam began with fake virus warning pop-ups that directed victims to call numbers where Indian-based scammers impersonated tech companies or federal agents, then convinced them to surrender money through various ruses including fake bank compromise claims, criminal investigation threats, and technical support fees. Authorities emphasize that victims should never click unsolicited pop-ups,

**Summary:** Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning about elder financial exploitation following a FinCEN analysis revealing $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder fraud reported by financial institutions between 2022 and 2023. The analysis identified two main categories of victimization: elder scams involving unknown perpetrators and elder theft involving known perpetrators. Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force, launched in 2019 with over 55 organizations, has implemented reporting requirements and trainings to combat the issue, with an estimated 100,000 older adults in Michigan experiencing elder abuse annually.

An FBI report found that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with fraud complaints against seniors rising 14% year-over-year. Tech support scams generated the most complaints, while investment scams proved costliest, with 6,000 victims each losing over $100,000. Experts recommend seniors verify payment methods, seek second opinions before transactions, and recognize that many scams are technology-based despite myths that older adults don't use digital platforms.

A University of Michigan poll of 3,379 adults over 50 conducted in February-March 2024 found that five of the six most pressing health-related concerns for older Americans centered on costs: medical care (56%), assisted living (56%), prescription medicines (54%), health insurance/Medicare (52%), and dental care (45%), with financial scams and fraud (53%) rounding out the top concerns. These worries were consistent across all demographic groups regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, region, or income level, highlighting healthcare affordability as a critical issue for millions of seniors and their families.

Following severe storms in southwest Michigan, the Better Business Bureau warns residents to be vigilant against repair scammers who typically emerge after disasters offering fraudulent services. To protect yourself, contact your insurance company first, obtain written contracts from legitimate contractors, avoid unusually cheap deals or pressure tactics, and never pay cash upfront.