Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued her Artificial Intelligence and Scams alert on Apr. 20 to warn residents about the increasing use of artificial intelligence by scammers during Money Smart Week.
The alert highlights concerns that fraudsters are using AI to create convincing deepfake audio and video, making it easier to impersonate loved ones and deceive victims. The Michigan Department of Attorney General aims to protect residents from these threats, according to its official website.
Nessel said, “AI scams are incredibly sophisticated. They can trick any of us into handing money over to bad actors. If you receive a call from a loved one and something feels off, trust your instinct. Always verify the situation using a known, trusted number.” She recommends that families establish verification phrases or code words, avoid trusting caller ID, verify suspicious situations by calling back on known numbers, and be wary of requests for payment through hard-to-trace methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards.
The department’s consumer protection efforts extend beyond scam alerts; it advances social efforts such as actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations according to the official website. It also focuses on serving Michigan residents through initiatives in public service and protection according to the official website.
Dana Nessel is Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to the official website, leading an office with statewide authority designed to safeguard residents across Michigan according to the official website. The department has also influenced policy by drafting laws such as Clean Slate in 2019 for expungement opportunities according to the official website.
Money Smart Week continues until April 21 with ongoing alerts shared via @MIConsumerWatch on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. Residents who believe they have been targeted by scams can contact the Consumer Protection Team at the Department of Attorney General for assistance.