LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State Police rolled out a statewide ad push on Nov. 13 to help residents spot online con artists before they lose money or personal information.
The effort, called Impostors, comes from the department’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and will run on television, radio and social media through Dec. 13, 2026. Federal Homeland Security Grant Program dollars cover the cost, and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters is helping get the messages on air.
The spots focus on tricks scammers lean on most: posing as a relative, sending fake alerts that look like they come from a bank, and manufacturing a sense of urgency so people hand over money or account details before they stop to question the request.
State police are asking residents to follow a three-step habit. First, pause before answering, tapping a link or paying anyone. Next, weigh whether the request might be a con. Last, check it out through a trusted channel, such as calling the person or company back at a phone number you already know.
Older residents are a key audience. The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center report found Michiganders over age 60 made up 31 percent of the state’s cybercrime victims and lost more money than any other age group. Capt. Kevin Sweeney, who commands the division, said in the department’s announcement that these crimes keep changing and often target older adults.
More tips are posted on the state’s Michigan Ready cybersecurity page at michigan.gov/miready.
From the HERE City State Desk.
Section: More Lansing MI crime news
Filed under: Lansing MI Public Safety News
