Department of Insurance and Financial Services Urges Consumers to be Vigilant Against Fraud During International Fraud Awareness Week 

LANSING, MICH - This week is International Fraud Awareness Week and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers to protect themselves against fraud and to report suspected fraud to the recently established Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU).

“Consumers must be vigilant to avoid falling victim to fraud, especially in the insurance and financial services industries,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “DIFS’ Fraud Investigation Unit, is committed to bringing criminals to justice in order to protect consumers and ensure safe access to the industries we regulate.”

Codified into state law as part of Michigan’s historic, bipartisan auto insurance law in 2019, the FIU investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial industries. Its investigators work with the Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies to prosecute these crimes.

“DIFS is first and foremost a consumer protection agency and we are here to help protect people from bad actors in the insurance and financial services industries,” said Fox. “Consumers can arm themselves against fraud with resources available from DIFS, including our website and publications, our call center, and the fraud reporting tool on our website.”

Insurance and financial fraud can include a wide range of acts such as selling fake auto insurance certificates, staging fake claims, loan fraud, and taking advantage of cash apps to take money from unwary people. Suspected fraud in the insurance and financial sectors can be reported to DIFS safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or by visiting Michigan.gov/ReportFraud2DIFS.

Resources to help consumers protect themselves from fraud are available on the DIFS website, including the DIFS Locator which enables consumers to verify that they are working with properly licensed individuals and businesses in the insurance and financial services industries.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/difs or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints