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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.

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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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

**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.

Valerie Williams, a 65-year-old Michigan resident, won a $1 million prize in the Michigan Lottery's Electric Giveaway after initially hesitating to answer what she thought was a scam call from the lottery. Williams had earned her spot in the live drawing at Comerica Park on September 19 by scanning non-winning lottery tickets on the Michigan Lottery mobile app, ultimately beating four other finalists. She plans to save the winnings and use them for a vacation with her husband.

Three individuals were charged with Medicaid fraud for allegedly exploiting Michigan's transportation reimbursement program: Bernice Marie Pate (10 counts), Wanda Rose Spivey (5 counts), and Ashley Eliza Mendoza (5 counts). The defendants allegedly used a smartphone app to spoof GPS location data and submit false reimbursement claims for medical trips that never occurred, defrauding a program designed to help Medicaid beneficiaries reach medical appointments. All three were arraigned in October 2025 and released on $50,000 personal recognizance bonds.

Hundreds of Medicaid and Medicare recipients in Michigan received fraudulent text messages claiming their insurance coverage was terminated, with scammers exploiting federal government shutdown fears to pressure victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal information. At least 200 patients of EPIC Health fell victim to the scam, which caused significant disruptions to healthcare delivery and delayed medical care for vulnerable populations with chronic conditions. The Michigan Attorney General issued a warning advising recipients to block messages, avoid clicking links, and report the fraud.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of potential government imposter scams during the federal government shutdown, where fraudsters may pose as officials to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming issues with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits. Nessel advised consumers not to click links or download attachments in suspicious communications, and to verify any government contact directly with the agency, noting that legitimate government agencies never request personal information via email, phone, or text, and never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents of a smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages falsely claim to be from a nonexistent "State of Michigan Department of Vehicles," threatening license or registration suspension over unpaid tickets and directing victims to fake payment sites to steal personal and financial information. Consumers are advised to delete suspicious texts without clicking links, use spam-blocking tools, and report smishing messages to SPAM (7726) and the Federal Trade Commission.

Seniors in Marquette, Michigan are being targeted by a Medicare fraud scam involving false claims for unnecessary medical equipment, such as diabetic supplies for non-diabetics and orthopedic braces for those without medical needs. The scam uses stolen personal information including names and Social Security numbers, though fraudsters are often located outside the area, making them difficult to track. Victims can report suspected fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or contacting the Marquette Senior Center for assistance.

Romance scams, known as "catfishing," victimize gullible but well-meaning people across the United States, with Michigan ranking notably high among affected states. Americans lose hundreds of millions of dollars annually to these schemes, with losses expected to increase. To avoid becoming a victim, people should never give money or personal information to online contacts, avoid being rushed into relationships, and refuse to engage with anyone unwilling to video chat or meet in person.

Vatsal Pankajkumar Mistry was arrested and charged with money laundering conspiracy in connection with a "phantom hacker" scheme that defrauded multiple victims in Ohio and Michigan. A 76-year-old woman from Ann Arbor lost over $500,000 after being convinced to grant remote computer access for a fake refund, leading to multiple cash and gold bar drop-offs; Mistry admitted to participating in pickups for approximately $500 per package. Mistry waived his preliminary hearing and the case was bound over to a grand jury, with an ICE detainer preventing his release.

Romance scams, also known as "catfishing," cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars annually, with Michigan ranking particularly high in victim numbers. The article provides four key prevention strategies: never send money to online contacts, avoid sharing personal information that could enable identity theft, be cautious of scammers who rush romantic relationships, and insist on video chat or in-person meetings before developing deeper connections.