Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has re-issued an alert on identity theft warning signs to mark Identity Theft Awareness Week. The aim is to inform residents about indications that their personal information may have been stolen. Identity theft involves unauthorized use of personal data, such as social security numbers or credit card details, often for fraudulent purposes. Reports of identity theft are rising, with the Federal Trade Commission receiving over 1.1 million cases in 2024, including nearly 24,000 from Michigan.
“Identity theft impacts tens of thousands of Michiganders each year and can cause serious financial harm,” said Attorney General Nessel. “By knowing the warning signs and what to do if your identity is stolen, you can take action to protect yourself.”
The alert highlights clues such as missing mail, unexplained bank withdrawals, and denied credit applications. Recommendations for reducing risk include using credit cards for purchases due to better fraud protection, shredding documents with a micro-cut shredder, monitoring credit reports, and being cautious when using personal checks.
Attorney General Nessel also introduced the Michigan Identity Theft Support System to help residents restore stolen identities. Residents seeking assistance or wishing to file complaints can contact the Consumer Protection Team by mail at P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909; by phone at 517-335-7599 or toll-free at 877-765-8388; by fax at 517-241-3771; or through the online complaint form.
The Michigan State Executive – Attorney General provides public service and protection across Michigan through initiatives that address key community needs like combating scams and supporting crime victims. As the chief legal office for the state, it manages consumer complaints and issues alerts on threats such as identity theft (https://www.michigan.gov/ag). The office holds statewide authority to safeguard vulnerable populations and serves as Michigan’s primary legal entity (https://www.michigan.gov/ag). Dana Nessel currently serves as Michigan’s attorney general (https://www.michigan.gov/ag).
