Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert to help protect residents from online shopping scams and deceptive sales tactics as Valentine’s Day approaches. The alert aims to inform shoppers about potential risks when purchasing gifts online.
“Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to show people how much they mean to us, but when shopping online, consumers should always be cautious,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Before you click buy, make sure you are purchasing gifts from legitimate businesses and not falling victim to scams or pressure tactics.”
The guidance advises consumers to verify the legitimacy of online retailers by checking for valid physical locations and customer service phone numbers. Shoppers are encouraged to research unfamiliar companies before making purchases and use image searches to compare products and sellers. It is recommended that consumers pay with credit cards for added protection against fraud.
Nessel also suggests creating a separate email account for online purchases, protecting personal information by not sharing sensitive details via text or email, unchecking boxes that allow data sharing, and reviewing privacy policies before buying.
The alert warns against so-called “dark or deceptive patterns” used by some retailers, such as notices about low stock, countdown timers that reset upon refreshing the page, or messages indicating high demand for items in the cart.
Consumers are advised to keep their devices secure with up-to-date anti-virus software and pop-up blockers. When using public Wi-Fi for shopping, installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is recommended. Shoppers should ensure websites have SSL encryption—indicated by HTTPS in the URL and a padlock icon—before entering any personal information.
To report fraud or file consumer complaints, individuals can contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team through mail, phone lines including a toll-free number, fax, or an online complaint form.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General serves residents across the state through initiatives focused on public service and protection. According to its official website (https://www.michigan.gov/ag), it addresses community needs such as combating human trafficking and supporting crime victims while managing consumer complaints and issuing alerts on scams. Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general (https://www.michigan.gov/ag).
The department operates statewide with authority aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations throughout Michigan (https://www.michigan.gov/ag).
