Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued an alert warning residents about the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in scams. The announcement is part of her National Consumer Protection Week campaign and addresses how fraudsters are using AI to create convincing deepfake audio and video content.
Scammers have been able to clone voices by using audio data found on public social media or videos. These cloned voices can then be used to call victims, often by spoofing the phone number of a loved one, and make urgent requests for money.
“Fraudsters are increasingly using AI to make their scams more convincing,” said Attorney General Nessel. “The best way to combat these schemes is to be aware of the warning signs, verify the caller’s identity, and never rush to send money if you are pressured.”
Nessel advises several steps for protection against such scams:
– Set up a family verification phrase or code word that only family members know.
– Do not rely on caller ID, as scammers can fake phone numbers.
– If a call seems suspicious, hang up and contact the person directly with a known number.
– Be cautious if asked for payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or money transfers, as these methods are difficult to trace or reverse.
The alert also highlights common features of scams: high-pressure tactics demanding immediate action, use of fear or enticing offers, and requests for sensitive information or unusual payment methods. Victims are encouraged to notify local law enforcement, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357, report fraudulent charges immediately to financial institutions or payment apps used, and contact issuers of any gift cards or money transfer services involved.
Consumers who believe they have been targeted by a scam can reach out to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team via mail at P.O. Box 30213 in Lansing, MI 48909; by phone at 517-335-7599; fax at 517-241-3771; toll-free at 877-765-8388; or through an online complaint form.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General operates statewide with authority across Michigan to protect residents and advance public service initiatives. The department also works on social issues such as supporting vulnerable populations and drafting policies like the Clean Slate law in 2019 for expungement opportunities. Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general. More information about these efforts is available on the official website.
