Michigan Attorney General's Office secures $16M in consumer protection recoveries

Consumer protection and public safety took center stage at the Michigan Legislature's Judiciary meeting on April 16, 2025, as officials highlighted significant efforts to safeguard residents against scams and enhance criminal justice initiatives.

The meeting revealed that the state's consumer protection team, part of the corporate oversight division, handled over 10,000 complaints last year, recovering more than $16 million for consumers and the state. Officials emphasized the importance of public awareness, noting that alerts about scams and deceptive practices are regularly updated on their website. "We have a one-stop shop place that everybody can go to look up whatever scams are out there," a representative stated, underscoring the proactive measures taken to inform citizens before they fall victim to fraud.

In addition to consumer protection, the meeting addressed critical funding for public safety, particularly in relation to sexual assault cases. The legislature allocated $1.48 million to support the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which aims to investigate and prosecute cases linked to previously untested assault kits. Agreements have been established with several county prosecutors, including Ingham, Kalamazoo, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, to ensure thorough investigations.

These discussions reflect a strong commitment from Michigan lawmakers to protect consumers and enhance public safety, with ongoing efforts to address both immediate concerns and long-term solutions. As these initiatives unfold, the state aims to foster a safer environment for all residents.