Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued an alert warning residents about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in scams. This announcement is part of her National Consumer Protection Week campaign and addresses how fraudsters are using AI to create convincing deepfake audio and video schemes.
According to Nessel, scammers can now clone a person’s voice by collecting audio from public social media posts or videos. These criminals may then contact victims while spoofing the phone number of a loved one, impersonating them in distress and making 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.”
To help residents protect themselves, Nessel recommends establishing a family verification phrase that only household members know. She also advises not trusting caller ID, as scammers can manipulate phone numbers to appear legitimate. If something seems suspicious during a call, individuals should hang up and return the call using a known number. Residents should also be cautious if asked for payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or money transfers—methods that are difficult to trace or reverse.
Nessel’s alert highlights common warning signs found in many scams: high-pressure tactics urging immediate action, use of fear or enticing offers, and demands for sensitive information or unusual payment methods.
Victims of such scams are encouraged to notify local law enforcement, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357, report fraudulent charges immediately to banks or payment services used, and contact issuers of any gift cards or money transfer services involved.
Residents who believe they have been targeted by a scam can reach out to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team by mail at P.O. Box 30213 Lansing, MI 48909; by phone at 517-335-7599; toll-free at 877-765-8388; via fax at 517-241-3771; or through an online complaint form.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General holds statewide authority to safeguard residents across Michigan through various initiatives in public service and protection (official website). The department has also advanced social efforts against human trafficking and supported vulnerable populations (official website). Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general (official website).
