Michigan Consumer Resources
If you’re living in the state that touches all five Great Lakes, we have useful information for you. Looking for Michigan state resource help has never been easier. We have compiled a comprehensive list of tools to aide in your search. Whether your search is concerning state agencies, legal resources, financial, health, or employment sites, our links should point you in the right direction.
Below is a summary of what each link has to offer, as well as any necessary contact information.
STATE AGENCIES
Attorney General – Get helpful consumer protection tips through this website. You can read about how to avoid foreclosure. You can learn more about crime victim rights, or view the sex offender registry. You can get free credit reports and file consumer issues. Contact the Consumer Protection Division directly at (517) 373-1140.
Public Service Commission – Read more about the Do Not Call list through this website. You can view more information about telemarketers, and register yourself on the list through this page. You can also file a report. Contact (517) 241-6180 to reach the department directly.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Small Claims Court - Get information that will help you pursue your court case in Michigan here. You can read more about court cost limits and where to sue. Learn about attorney requirements and appeal processes. You can also get more information on special provisions in Michigan’s law.
Lemon Law – Get information on Michigan’s lemon law and what you can do if you find yourself in a pickle after buying a lemon. Learn more about characteristics that constitute a lemon, and read additional tips in an interview with a local Michigan law firm. You can contact the law firm through the contact information listed in the article.
FINANCIAL
Office of Financial & Insurance Regulation – This organization regulates financial industries in Michigan, and protects consumers by ensuring that companies are operating within their financial legal limits. If you are facing foreclosure, or need financial direction this is a good site to get that information. You can read up on insurance companies throughout the state as well. The Consumer Hotline can be reached directly at 1-877-999-6442.
HEALTH
Department of Community Health – This website offers extensive information on health services and programs available to Michigan residents. The links will help you find the right type of health care, and give the uninsured more information. You can view different types of coverage for both children and adults. You can also report Medicaid fraud and abuse. The department can be contacted directly at (517) 373-3740.
SAFETY
Safety & Security - Get tips on protecting you and your family from crime and abuse. You can learn more about cyber security and crime prevention. View the sex offender registry list. You can also get consumer alerts or file a report on the website. You can also contact the live help center at 1-877-932-6424.
EMPLOYMENT
Michigan Jobs – Get employment information through this website. You can read about unemployment insurance benefits, and find job fairs. You can get information on job openings and networking. You can subscribe to the New Jobs link, or do a quick online search of employment opportunities in your area.
Michigan Civil Service Commission – Looking for a job in the civil service industry? This Michigan website can provide you with information on opportunities in your area. Visit the online career center, and get applicant resources to start your process. You can also read about job specifications and pay. You can contact the commission at 1-800-788-1766.
Contact Michigan State & Local Consumer Agencies
State and local consumer protection offices mediate issues, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate a variety of professionals, promote strong consumer protection legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the consumer interest. To save time, call the office before sending in a written issue report. Ask if the office handles the type of issue you have and if these forms are provided.
State Offices
Frederick Hoffecker, Assistant in Charge
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
P.O. Box 30212
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-1140 (issue information)
517-373-1110
Fax: 517-335-1935
Rodger James, Director
Bureau of Automotive Regulation
Michigan Department of State
Lansing, MI 48918-1200
517-373-4777
Toll free in MI: 1-800-292-4204
Fax: 517-373-0964
County Offices
Mike Studders, Chief Investigator
Bay County Consumer Protection Unit
Bay County Building
515 Center Avenue
Bay City, MI 48707-5994
517-895-4139
Fax: 517-895-4167
Margaret DeMuynck, Director
Consumer Protection Department
Macomb County
Office of the Prosecuting Attorney
40 North Main Street, 6th Floor
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
810-469-5350
TDD: 810-466-8714
Fax: 810-469-5609
Web site: www.macomb.lib.mi.us/macatt
City Office
Esther K. Shapiro, Director
City of Detroit
Department of Consumer Affairs
1600 Cadillac Tower
Detroit, MI 48226
313-224-3508
313-224-6995 (issues)
Fax: 313-224-2796
State Banking Regulators
The officials listed below regulate and supervise state-chartered banks. Many of them handle or refer problems with other types of financial institutions as well. Some also answer general questions about banking and consumer credit. If you are dealing with a federally chartered bank, check the listing of Selected Federal Agencies.
Patrick McQueen
Commissioner, Financial Institutions Bureau
P.O. Box 30224
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-3460
Fax: 515-335-1109; 517-335-0908
Web site: www.cis.state.mi.us
State Insurance Regulators
Each state has its own laws and regulations for all types of insurance, including car, homeowner and health insurance. The officials listed below enforce these laws. Many of these offices can provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions.
Dominic
D'Annunzio
Acting Commissioner, Michigan Insurance Bureau
611 West Ottawa Street, 2nd Floor North
P.O. Box 30220
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-9273
Fax: 517-335-4978