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The Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center hosted a free scam awareness presentation featuring Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Kristen Stinedurf, who addressed phishing, AI scams, and fraud warning signs across calls, texts, mail, and email. The presentation, held in partnership with the Tri-County Office on Aging, targeted seniors new to Medicare and technology who receive frequent scam-related communications, aiming to help attendees recognize and avoid fraud.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers about a widespread Venmo scam where fraudsters "accidentally" send money to users and then request repayment, exploiting stolen funds that are later reversed. The AG advised consumers never to return such funds and instead report the error to Venmo, as refunding money linked to fraudulent charges results in the innocent user bearing the financial loss. The alert also detailed other P2P payment app scams including impersonation of banks and merchants, and recommended consumers never share personal information and treat P2P payments like cash.

Scammers in Michigan are using Venmo and other peer-to-peer payment apps to defraud users by "accidentally" sending stolen money and then requesting it back; when Venmo's fraud detection catches the transaction, the recipient's account is charged back, leaving them liable for the loss. Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel advises recipients not to return such funds but instead contact Venmo support directly, and warns residents to avoid other P2P scams including fake fraud department calls and fraudulent bank alerts requesting personal information like Social Security numbers.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert regarding a widespread Venmo scam in which fraudsters "accidentally" send stolen funds to users and then request the money be returned, ultimately causing financial loss when the fraudulent charges are reversed. The alert advises consumers never to return such transfers and to contact the payment service instead, and outlines additional P2P payment scams including impersonation of banks, phishing for personal information, fake business payment requests, and stolen credit card schemes. Victims can file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission or Michigan's Attorney General office.

A 70-year-old Jackson, Michigan woman was barred by federal court order in May 2024 from participating in romance scams after repeatedly serving as a "money transmitter" for fraudsters while also being victimized herself. Holly Locke received packages of money from scam victims and forwarded them to fraudsters she met online, beginning with someone in Ghana in 2022 who claimed to need funds for an orphanage; despite being warned by postal inspectors and signing a cease-and-desist order, she resumed the activity in May 2023 with new scammers met on Facebook. The consent decree, approved by U.S. District Judge Paul D.

A 70-year-old Jackson resident agreed to a civil court order permanently prohibiting her from participating in romance scams after acting as a money transmitter for an international fraud ring. Holly Locke received packages of money from multiple victims and forwarded the funds to her online romantic partner, unknowingly facilitating fraud against people who believed they were helping their own romantic partners. This civil consent decree marks the first of its kind in the Eastern District of Michigan and is part of a broader Department of Justice effort to disrupt international romance scam operations targeting U.S. citizens.

A 72-year-old Michigan woman lost $40,000 after scammers posing as federal agents convinced her that her life savings were at risk due to identity theft and bank insolvency, then persuaded her to withdraw the cash for "safekeeping." When the perpetrators returned a week later seeking additional funds, an alert neighbor reported them to authorities, leading to the arrest of two men from Illinois. Authorities stress the importance of verifying the identities of anyone claiming to represent law enforcement or government agencies before transferring funds or sharing personal information.

A 72-year-old Michigan woman lost $40,000 after scammers posing as federal agents convinced her that her money was at risk due to identity theft and bank insolvency, then persuaded her to withdraw her life savings for "safekeeping." When the two men from Illinois attempted to return a week later for more money, an alert neighbor reported the activity to authorities, leading to their arrest. Authorities urge the public to verify the identities of anyone claiming to be law enforcement or government officials before providing personal information or transferring funds.

Two members of an international fraud conspiracy targeting senior citizens were sentenced to federal prison: Jmyla Elaine Sha'Taria White received eight years, one month and was ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution, while McKhaela Katelynn McNamara received four years, three months and $693,073 in restitution. The scheme used fake tech support warnings and fake federal agents to deceive elderly victims into sending money, with one West Michigan resident losing $398,000 and total losses reaching millions of dollars. Victims can report suspected elder fraud at ic3.gov or contact the FBI at 313-965-2323.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel presented consumer protection information to seniors at the Frenchtown Center for Active Adults, covering common scam tactics including urgent requests, fake personal connections, financial demands, and unusual payment methods like gift cards. Nessel highlighted emerging threats such as spoofing technology that uses AI to impersonate friends and family, and rising check fraud, while recommending protective measures including strong privacy settings, password changes, two-factor authentication, credit card use, and reporting suspicious communications. The presentation emphasized that seniors are vulnerable targets and encouraged attendees to stay informed rather than fearful by asking verification questions and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact citizens by mail, not phone.

In 2022, Michigan seniors aged 60 and older lost $52.5 million to fraud, with 2,243 victims averaging $23,416 in losses per person—a rate of 87.2 victims per 100,000 residents. Tech support scams disproportionately affected seniors, who are 517% more likely to fall victim to these schemes than younger people. Online scams were the primary method of fraud targeting Michigan's elderly, with investment scams, business impostor schemes, and romance scams representing the largest fraud categories nationally.

Job scams targeting college students and recent graduates are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers impersonating professors and university staff through spoofed emails to pitch fake internships or remote work opportunities. A common tactic involves sending counterfeit checks to cover supposed home office setup costs, which the victim deposits but don't bounce until after they've spent or transferred money to scammers, leaving them financially responsible for losses. Universities including University of Michigan and Oakland University have reported rising incidents of these highly customized scams, particularly at the beginning and end of academic years, with scammers conducting detailed online research to make their pitches appear credible and realistic.

Two elderly Troy, Michigan residents lost over $1 million combined to online scams between October 2023 and February 2024—an 81-year-old man lost $460,000 to a fake gold investment scheme, and another senior lost $700,000 to a Publishers Clearing House tax scam. Police are investigating both cases and note these scams are becoming more frequent, with scammers using convincing tactics, urgency, and increasingly AI-generated voices to pressure victims into sending money or personal information. Experts recommend seniors verify requests with family members, be cautious of rushed decisions, and trust their instincts when something feels suspicious.

McKhaela McNamara (Flint, Michigan) and Jmyla White (Florida) were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international wire fraud conspiracy targeting senior citizens across multiple states, with McNamara receiving 51 months and ordered to pay $693,073 in restitution, while White received 97 months and was ordered to pay $3.2 million. The scam began with fake virus warnings on victims' computers, prompting them to call numbers where perpetrators impersonated tech company representatives or federal agents, then convinced victims to withdraw cash, make wire transfers, or purchase gift cards through various ruses involving compromised bank accounts, infected computers, or criminal

Two Florida and Michigan residents were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international fraud conspiracy that defrauded senior citizens of millions of dollars. The scheme involved fake tech support warnings that led victims to surrender cash, wire transfers, and gift cards through various ruses, including impersonation of federal agents and false claims of compromised bank accounts; White was sentenced to 97 months and ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution, while McNamara received 51 months and must pay $693,073 in restitution. One West Michigan victim lost $398,000 to the conspiracy, which operated with scammers based in India and used U.S.-based oper

A 28-year-old Flint woman was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for her role in an international fraud scheme that targeted senior citizens across multiple states, including Michigan. The scammers used fake tech support warnings to convince victims to call numbers where operators posing as Microsoft or Apple employees intimidated them into transferring money through various methods including wire transfers, cash deliveries, and gift cards. One Michigan victim lost $398,000, and McNamara was ordered to pay over $693,000 in restitution to victims.

McKhaela Katelynn McNamara (28, Flint) and Jmyla Elaine Sha'Taria White (29, Florida) were sentenced to 51 and 97 months in federal prison respectively for operating a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting senior citizens. The scam involved fake virus warnings and compromised bank account alerts designed to trick victims into withdrawing cash and handing it over; one West Michigan victim lost nearly $400,000, and the perpetrators were ordered to pay over $3.8 million combined in restitution.

Kari Melissa Morales, a 51-year-old Michigan woman, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for her role in an IRS/FBI impersonation scam targeting at least one victim. Morales and co-conspirators attempted to extort $60,000 by presenting fake FBI arrest warrants and IRS receipts, with Morales carrying a loaded firearm and fraudulent badge during the money exchange; the scheme was discovered when a text meant for the victim was accidentally sent to a Kent County officer. If convicted, Morales faces up to 20 years in prison.

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.

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.

**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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

**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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

I appreciate you providing this content, but the text you've shared appears to be website header/footer information and metadata rather than the actual article content about the Michigan attorney general's scam prevention advice. To provide an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need the main body of the article that contains the actual advice or information being offered. Could you please share the full article text?

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

**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.

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.

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.

**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.

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.

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.