Consumer Alerts

Here are the top Consumer Alerts and news releases from October you should be aware of:

AG Nessel Challenges MPSC Approval of DTE’s Google Data Center Contracts
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is asking state regulators to take another look at DTE’s deal to power Google’s data center. She says the deal could leave people paying costs that should  be paid by DTE and Google. She wants DTE customers to be protected from higher bills.

AG Nessel, Coalition Reach $220 Million Settlement with General Motors for Sharing Drivers’ Private Data
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 35 other state attorneys general reached a deal with GM. Michigan will get $7.2 million. GM was accused of selling driver data without consent. Under the deal, GM must keep this data safe. It must also get consent before it tracks or shares driver data.

Gift Card Scam Video
Attorney General Nessel urges Michigan residents to watch her video on gift card scams in Michigan after a man pleads guilty to operating a criminal enterprise using gift cards. Thieves tamper with cards and steal their balances after purchase. Check cards for signs of damage before buying. When possible, buy gift cards directly from businesses. If you are scammed, call the number on the back of the card.

Business Identity Theft – What It Is and How to Protect Your Business
Businesses can become victims of identity theft just like people. This happens when criminals pose as owners or employees of a company. They do this to create lines of credit and make illegal transactions. This alert tells business owners what to look for and what steps to take to protect their companies.

Drop-Shipping: What you Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Online
Drop-shipping is when someone sells goods that are not kept on hand. The seller purchases the goods from another company that ships directly to the buyer. This alert gives information on how drop-shipping works and what both buyers and sellers should look out for when using this retail method.

Online Ticket Purchasing
In most cases, buying event tickets online is convenient and easy. But this kind of purchase comes with risks. The alert offers tips that will help protect you from ticketing scams. It also gives you resources to turn to if an event is canceled.

Website Spoofing – Scammers Disguised as Trusted Brand
Scammers can easily spoof websites. They do this to trick consumers into trusting them. This alert explains how they do it. The Better Business Bureau offers tips on how you can avoid falling for these fake websites.