Michigan Attorney General: Storm Scams Safety Tips 2026
After a powerful winter weather event that dropped heavy snow across the state, Michigan residents face an increased risk of post-storm fraud. This guide, grounded in guidance from the Attorney General, follows homeowner Laura’s experience in Grand Rapids to show practical steps for protection and disaster relief navigation.
Michigan Attorney General Guidance After a Severe Storm
The Attorney General urges impacted communities to pause and verify information before hiring help or authorizing repairs. Begin by reviewing your homeowner and auto policies so you know what your insurer will cover and your deductible amount.
Laura discovered that speaking with her insurance agent first clarified what repairs her policy would cover, and it helped her prioritize immediate safety fixes. This step reduces the chance of overspending and falling prey to opportunistic scams.
Key insight: Confirming coverage with your insurer is the first line of fraud prevention.
Do Your Homework Before Hiring a Contractor
Scammers often show up posing as emergency contractors. Verify licensure, insurance, and local reputation before signing anything. Ask neighbors, check complaint histories, and request references.
Follow this checklist Laura used to vet contractors and avoid common pitfalls:
- Confirm license and insurance with the state licensing board and request proof.
- Get three written estimates and compare scope, timelines, and materials.
- Never pay in cash; prefer credit cards to enable dispute protections.
- Do not pay in full up front; use staged payments tied to milestones.
- Record correspondence — names, dates, and written promises are essential evidence.
For more on documenting storm damage and filing claims, see our step-by-step guide on filing an insurance claim after storm damage. Laura’s caution and documentation saved her thousands during the repair process.
Key insight: Thorough vetting and documentation drastically lower your exposure to storm-related fraud.
Verify Utility Calls and Protect Personal Information
Scammers now spoof legitimate numbers, making calls that appear authentic on your phone. The Attorney General recommends specific verification steps before acting on any utility-related request.
If someone claiming to be from a utility contacts you, ask for an estimated restoration time and cross-check that with the company’s outage map online. If they leave a message, don’t call back the displayed number — instead, use the contact information on a recent bill to confirm the outreach.
Remember: legitimate utilities will not demand immediate payment over the phone to restore service. For a broader view on household preparedness and safety after winter storms, consult our winter safety tips which include practical items to keep on hand during outages.
Key insight: Verifying utility outreach protects both your finances and household safety.
Protecting Your Finances During Disaster Relief Efforts
When pursuing disaster relief and repairs, use payment methods that offer consumer protections. Credit cards and documented checks create a paper trail and allow disputes if work is incomplete or fraudulent.
Also, coordinate with your insurer to understand what costs may be reimbursed and to learn approved vendor lists that reduce risk. Our homeowners guidance on long-term risk reduction shares strategies for stronger protection and policy optimization: homeowners insurance strategies.
Key insight: Use traceable payment methods and insurer-approved vendors to strengthen your fraud defenses.
Consumer Awareness and Emergency Preparedness for Future Storms
Building household resilience reduces temptation for scammers to exploit urgency. Maintain an emergency kit, record important documents, and map out trusted local contractors in advance.
Laura created a list of trusted providers and stored digital copies of policy documents, which streamlined her recovery after the storm. Maintaining this readiness is a form of active consumer awareness that pays off in stressful moments.
Key insight: Ongoing preparedness is the best long-term method of protection against storm scams.
- Immediately contact your insurer to confirm coverage.
- Verify contractor credentials and local reputation.
- Document all damage and conversations with dates and names.
- Use secure payment methods and avoid full upfront payments.
- Confirm utility outreach through official bill contact info, not caller-ID alone.
How do I confirm a contractor is legitimate after a storm?
Check state licensure and insurance, request references, compare multiple written estimates, and review complaint history with local consumer offices. Never sign a contract until you fully understand the scope, and keep written records of all promises.
What should I do if a caller demands payment to restore service?
Do not provide payment information. Check your utility’s official outage map or call the number on a recent bill to verify. Legitimate utilities do not request immediate payments to restore service.
When should I contact my insurance company after storm damage?
Contact your insurer as soon as it’s safe — before hiring contractors if possible. Ask detailed questions about coverage and deductibles, and document every conversation, including names and dates.
Can I dispute a contractor charge if work is incomplete?
Yes. Paying with a credit card gives you additional dispute options. Keep contracts, receipts, before-and-after photos, and any correspondence to support a dispute or claim.