Online identity theft scam poses as Obama, lands in metro Detroit

Michigan Radio Newsroom — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:04:12 +0000

If you get an email from President Obama, saying he wants to pay your electric bill, it's best to delete it.

A countrywide email and text message scam in which the sender offers to pay the recipient's utility bills through a new federal program in exchange for sensitive identity information has hit metro Detroit.

And some are taking the bait, reports The Detroit News' Charles E. Ramirez:

Michigan Attorney General warns of Japan earthquake/tsunami scams

Steve Carmody — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:48:44 +0000

Michigan’s Attorney General issued a warning today about a growing number of scams linked to the Japanese Earthquake/Tsunami disaster. Numerous scams have popped up since last week’s disaster, including a viral video making the rounds on Facebook purporting to show people fleeing the tsunami wave.

Attorney General Bill Schuette says Michiganders wanting to help should beware of phony charities trying to take advantage of them.

"Even during tough times, the people of Michigan give generously to charities that assist disaster victims around the world….It's important to take steps to ensure your dollars are not lost to fraud and your financial information remains secure."