Quick Tips

Who do I call if I suspect that an adult is being physically abused or financially exploited?

The Department of Human Services operates an Adult Abuse hotline where you can report physical or financial exploitation of adults at 1-800-996-6228.


I receive Medicaid and I have a question about the program; who can I contact?

Call the Medicaid Client's Help Line at 1-800-642-3195.


Who do I call to report welfare or Medicaid fraud?

Welfare or Medicaid fraud should be reported to:

Department of Human Services
Office of Inspector General
P.O. Box 30037
Lansing, MI 48909
(517)335-3899



How do I protect myself against bogus business opportunities and work-at-home scams?

Check to see if the company peddling the business opportunity is registered in Michigan by calling the Attorney General's office at 1-877-765-8388. Also, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.ftc.gov.


How do I verify a home improvement contractor's license and complaint history?

Call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, at 1-877-765-8388, and the Bureau of Commercial Services, at 1-517-373-8376.


How do I verify that a person is licensed or registered to sell securities?

Call the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation at (877) 999-6442. If the person is not registered, don’t invest.


I want to confirm that my broker/financial adviser is registered and in good standing, how do I do that?

Contact the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation, at 1-877-999-6442.


How do I check to see if a loan company is a licensed financial lender; I suspect I may be a victim of home equity fraud?

Call the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation at 1-877-999-6442


I think I am a victim of predatory lending. Who should I contact?

Call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-765-8388 to file a complaint.


Who should I talk to before buying home medical equipment?

Check the company's reputation with your health care specialist and call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-765-8388.


Where can I find information about common health care-related scams, including Medicare and Medicare Part D Scams, miracle cures, and prescription assistance programs?

Please visit the Federal Trade Commission's "Who Cares?" website, at

http://www.ftc.gov/whocares.


How do I ensure that I am donating money to a reputable charity?

Call the Michigan Attorney General's Office, Charitable Trust Section at (517) 373-1152.


Where can I find more information on living trusts and wills?

AARP offers the publication, "A Consumer’s Guide to Living Trusts and Wills." See the AARP website at www.aarp.org. Also, call the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors at 1-800-347-5297.


How do I put a stop to receiving credit offers in the mail?

Call toll-free 1-888-567-8688 or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. You will be asked to provide your Social Security Number


What do I do if I think someone is using my identity fraudulently?

Immediately report it to one of the consumer reporting companies: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; Experian 1-888-397-3742; or TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289. The company you call is required to contact the other two companies. Also visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft for other tips.


How do I receive a free copy of my credit report?

For instant access to your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com. Or, for more information on receiving a copy of your free credit report, call 1-877-322-8228.


What can I do to reduce the amount of telemarketing calls I receive?

Register for the Do Not Call Registry by phone at 1-888-382-1222, or online at www.donotcall.gov.


When can I join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan?

Contact: Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program

Toll-free hotline 1-800-803-7174; or online at www.mmapinc.org

All services are provided free of charge.



Can I wait to see how the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan program goes before I enroll?

Contact: Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program

Toll-free hotline 1-800-803-7174; or online at www.mmapinc.org

All services are provided free of charge.



What if my prescriptions aren't covered under my new Medicare prescription drug benefit?

Contact: Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program

Toll-free hotline 1-800-803-7174; or online at www.mmapinc.org

All services are provided free of charge.


I'm having some problems with my new landlord and don't know what to do. Who to call for some legal information?

Contact: Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors at: 1-800-347-5297


I haven't received my pension check in several months and I don't know who to call.

Contact Mid-America Pension Rights Project at: 1-866-735-7737 to get free help

 
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I want to confirm that my broker/financial adviser is registered and in good standing, how do I do that?

Contact the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation, at 1-877-999-6442.