Residents of Lansing, Mich. (WLNS) are being warned by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel about potential scams that could target those affected by the federal government shutdown.
Nessel alerts that individuals dependent on federal aid programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP might be particularly concerned about disruptions to these services. This anxiety might provide an opportunity for scammers impersonating governmental employees through phone, text, or email.
Although the Department of Attorney General hasn’t received any reports of such scams yet, Nessel urges the public to stay watchful.
“The uncertainty that accompanies a government shutdown can be worrisome for many households,” Nessel remarked. “Scammers prey on these fears to extract money and personal details. It’s crucial to maintain composure and confirm any information directly with official government sources.”
Nessel says federal benefits will continue during the shutdown, but there may be some delays in services such as application processing.
Nessel advises ignoring emails or texts containing links or attachments, as these could be malicious. She further suggests blocking and flagging any unwanted contacts as spam.
Government bodies will not ask for personal data or demand payments via electronic communication. They also will not accept payments through prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrencies, or digital payment platforms. Instead, official correspondence is conducted through mail where payment methods are outlined.
The Michigan AG’s office is encouraging residents to report a scam, file a complaint, or find additional information on the official website.
Meantime, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced Wednesday that it will not take fraud complaints or help block spam calls during the government shutdown.
“We will resume normal operations when the government is funded,” the FTC added.
