Michigan residents are facing an alarming surge in scams, with both financial and physical consequences. While most scams result in financial loss and emotional distress, some have escalated to situations that can endanger lives—especially among vulnerable populations such as seniors and workers in high-risk industries. Recent data and reports highlight the growing sophistication of scammers and the urgent need for vigilance across the state.
The Scope of Scams in Michigan: Latest Statistics
1.) According to a recent University of Michigan poll, one in three Michigan residents aged 50 to 80 reported being scammed in the past two years, a rate higher than the national average. Furthermore, 45% of older Michiganders have had an account compromised, compared to 38% nationally.
2.) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year. The percentage of people who lost money after being targeted by a scam rose from 27% in 2023 to 38% in 2024.
3.) Nationally, more than 1 in 3 adults experienced a scam or financial fraud in the last year, and nearly 80 million Americans have lost money to scams in the past five years.
Scams That Pose a Risk to Life
While most scams are associated with financial loss, some can lead to physical harm or even death:
Occupational Scams and Hazards: In 2025, Michigan recorded 13 on-the-job deaths, with some incidents linked to unsafe work conditions or fraudulent safety assurances. For example, two cement finishers died from inhaling fumes while using improper equipment, and a roofer fell to his death despite wearing a harness. These tragedies underscore how scams or negligence in safety protocols can have fatal consequences.
Health, Funeral, and Life Insurance Scams: Older adults are often targeted by scams related to health and funeral expenses, which can leave them without critical coverage or funds when they need it most.
Identity Theft of Deceased Individuals: Scammers sometimes exploit the identities of deceased people, leading to fraudulent financial activity that can complicate legal and financial matters for surviving family members.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Seniors: Older adults, especially those with lower incomes or health challenges, are more likely to be targeted and victimized. About 75% of those scammed report impacts on their financial, physical, or mental well-being.
Young Adults: Contrary to popular belief, 18- to 24-year-olds report the highest median dollar loss to scammers in Michigan for the second consecutive year.
Workers in High-Risk Jobs: Construction and transportation workers face not only financial scams but also fraudulent safety practices that can result in injury or death.
Common Scam Techniques in Michigan
Imposter Scams: The most reported scam category, with losses of $2.95 billion nationally in 2024. Scammers often pose as government officials or trusted organizations.
Investment and Job Opportunity Scams: Losses to investment scams reached $5.7 billion in 2024, and job-related scams are on the rise, with reported losses increasing significantly over the past four years.
Digital Deception: Email remains the most common contact method for scammers, followed by phone calls and text messages.
Fake Health and Funeral Insurance Offers: These prey on the fears and vulnerabilities of older adults, often leaving them without needed resources.
How to Protect Yourself
1.) Be skeptical of unsolicited contacts, especially those requesting personal information or urgent payments.
2.) Verify the legitimacy of websites and emails before clicking links or providing information. Hover over links to check their true destination.
3.) The government will not contact you out of the blue to request money or sensitive information.
4.) If you suspect a scam, change your passwords immediately and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
5.) Utilize resources like the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker and report incidents to authorities.
Conclusion
Scams in Michigan are not just a matter of lost dollars—they can have devastating impacts on health, safety, and even life itself. With scam tactics evolving and losses rising sharply, it is crucial for all Michiganders—young and old—to remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in protecting themselves and their loved ones. Awareness, education, and prompt reporting are the best defenses against a threat that is growing not just in frequency, but in severity.
Source:
[1] https://www.michigan.gov/reinventretirement/protection/recognizing-scams/national-and-local-scams
[2] https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/21/xtjp-j21.html
[3] https://www.bridgemi.com/quality-life/michigan-1-3-seniors-victimized-scams-more-nation-poll-finds
[4] https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024
[5] https://explodingtopics.com/blog/number-of-scams
[6] https://midmichigannow.com/news/special-reports/18-to-24-year-olds-report-highest-median-dollar-loss-to-scammers-for-2nd-year
[7] https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/protect-yourself/consumer-alerts/id-theft-telemarketing/deceased-victims
[8] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/upshot/social-security-fraud-claim-musk.html