AG Brings Awareness to Continuing Pandemic Relief, Warns of New Scam Potential

Help is available for Michigan residents facing tough financial times during the pandemic, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. But she also warns against bad actors attempting to steal from those seeking relief.

“As this nation continues to grapple with the impact of COVID-19 on just about every facet of life, it’s important that Michiganders are aware of federal programs available to them,” said Nessel. “With temporary halts on evictions for those eligible, mortgage payment forbearance and a continued pause on federal student loan payments, it’s important to remain on alert for scammers seeking to capitalize off of these opportunities. That is why my office wants to ensure that people remember they do not have to pay for these benefits. If you receive a call, email or text demanding that you provide personal information like your Social Security, bank account or credit card number, do not fall for it.”

Nessel’s advice:

• Beware of anyone who contacts you to offer financial services or rental assistance for a fee. You do not have to pay to get these benefits.
• Don’t give your personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you, even if they claim to be a government official.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The Federal Trade Commission has information and updates to the following relief programs:

Renters: The temporary stop on evictions for certain renters now runs through March 31. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on who is eligible and the steps to take.

Homeowners: For those struggling to make federally backed mortgage payments because of the pandemic, payment forbearance may still be available, and the pause on foreclosures runs through at which mortgages are federally backed.

Student Loan Borrowers: For those federal student loans that are covered, the U.S. Department of Education has automatically paused payments through Sept. 30.

Scam examples and a library of consumer alerts are available. The attorney general’s office also provides online consumer protection resources to educate and protect Michigan residents.

Consumer complaints can be filed online at the attorney general’s website or by calling (877) 765-8388.