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LANSING — The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is launching a statewide television, radio, and social media campaign to raise awareness about cyber scams and ways residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from online criminals, according to an MSP press release on Friday.
The campaign, titled “Impostors,” highlights common tactics used by scammers, including impersonating family members, sending fraudulent bank alerts and creating a false sense of urgency to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money.
“Cyber crimes continue to evolve to find new ways to deceive people. Unfortunately, these crimes often target older adults,” Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD, said in the release. “We encourage everyone to take a moment to stop, think, and verify before responding to any message from an unknown source.”
According to the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center Annual Report, Michigan adults over the age of 60 are disproportionately affected by cybercrime, accounting for 31% of victims. This age group also experienced the highest financial losses of any age group.
The “Impostors” campaign encourages residents to follow three steps when receiving a suspicious message or request:
Stop: Take a moment before responding, clicking a link, or sending money.
Think: Ask yourself whether the message or request could be a scam.
Verify: Confirm the request through a trusted method, such as contacting the individual or organization directly using a known phone number.
Cyber scams often use fear, urgency, and emotional appeals to pressure people into acting before they have time to think. The campaign encourages residents to be cautious of unexpected messages, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify the source before sharing personal or financial information.
The campaign will air on television and radio and appear on social media platforms throughout November and through Dec. 13, 2026.
The campaign is funded by the federal Homeland Security Grant Program, in partnership with the MSP and Michigan Association of Broadcasters. For more information, visit michigan.gov/miready/be-informed/cybersecurity.
To learn how to prepare before, during, and after an emergency or disaster, visit michigan.gov/miready and follow MSP/EMHSD on X at x.com/MichEMHS and Facebook at facebook.com/michemhs.
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