Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an advisory Monday, March 16, 2026, warning Northern Michigan residents to be alert for scams following recent extreme winter weather. The warning focuses on “after the disaster” home repair schemes and utility imposter scams that frequently target homeowners during recovery efforts.
The advisory comes as the region recovers from severe winter storms that have caused property damage and utility outages. Nessel’s office is urging residents to avoid making rash decisions when approached by individuals offering immediate repair help and to verify all service providers before making payments.
Nessel recommends that homeowners “breathe” and take time to absorb the situation before making decisions. Legitimate contractors understand that residents need time to research their background and check for proper licensing and insurance before signing contracts. Consumers are encouraged to verify that a contractor is well-regarded by neighbors and has an acceptable complaint history.
Homeowners should contact their insurance agent or company to review their policy and determine what damage is covered. Keeping a record of questions, answers and the names of representatives spoken with is advised to help prioritize repairs based on safety and necessity. Knowing the deductible amount helps residents determine their available budget for home repairs.
All promises, quotes and expectations should be put into a written contract that is reviewed carefully before signing. Nessel recommends paying for repairs with a credit card because it provides additional protection to dispute charges if the work is not finished. Residents should never pay for an entire repair upfront; instead, they should pay for a portion of the work at the start and the remainder only after it is completed to their satisfaction.
Snow plowing companies are not licensed by the state of Michigan, which requires residents to perform their own due diligence. Checking a company’s online reviews and Better Business Bureau profile can help prevent issues with driveway clearing services. As with home repairs, paying after the work is done or using a credit card with fraud protection provides a layer of security against potential scammers.
Utility imposter scams are also common following storm damage. These schemes often involve a threat to shut off a utility unless a resident pays a specific amount of money quickly. Scammers may also impersonate utility workers to claim that service, such as electricity, can be restored sooner if the customer pays an additional fee. Fraudsters are now using technology to create authentic-looking 800 numbers that appear on phone displays.
To verify the authenticity of a caller claiming to be with a utility company, residents should ask for an estimated restoration time and cross-check it with the company’s online outage map. If a caller leaves a message, Nessel advises against calling the number provided. Instead, consumers should use the contact information found on a recent utility bill to confirm the communication. Utility companies are responsible for bringing service back online and do not ask for additional payments to do so.
Nessel emphasized the importance of recognizing these fraudulent patterns to avoid financial loss during difficult times. “Severe weather may be unpredictable, but scammers who try to exploit residents afterward are not,” Nessel said. “By understanding common tactics used by fraudsters, consumers can better protect themselves from those looking to profit unscrupulously from their hardship following extreme winter storms.”
Residents who believe they have been targeted by a scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team. Reports can be submitted through an online complaint form or by calling 877-765-8388. Written complaints can also be sent to P.O. Box 30213 in Lansing.