Flint water scam call received here

By RALPH ANSAMI

ransami@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — A new scam has apparently been initiated regarding the water woes in Flint.

The Ironwood Public Safety Department received a 9:30 a.m. Monday call from an elderly resident who said she had been contacted about a fund-raising drive to raise money for the “children of Flint.”

The woman told officers she had used her debit card to contribute $15 to the cause.

An IPSD officer advised her to contact her bank representatives and have the card canceled and a new debit card issued.

Earlier this month, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette issued a warning about scams relating to the Flint water crisis.

He said all state residents should be cautious of requests for donations by unfamiliar organizations or people. “Beware of unsolicited phone calls, and text and email appeals on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter,” he said.

People who’d like to help people in need can choose established charitable organizations with a history of helping those in need. A Michigan charitable giving database can be searched at ag.state.mi.us/CharitableTrust/.

In the Flint area, Schuette warned scammers might imitate government workers, offering inspection services, while seeking to gain entrance to the home or business. For example, he said scam artists could approach a homeowner with promises of repairing plumbing or restoring clean water service to a home.

He noted a legitimate business will give the homeowner time to consider a proposal.

Company complaint histories can be checked out by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (toll-free) at 1-877-765-8388.