Contact Target 8

 

Help yourself...fight back.

Before you seek the help of Target 8 investigators, try this advice for common problems:

 

>>Car Trouble

Problem with a car dealer or mechanic? 

If you're buying a used car, get your own mechanic to check it out first and/or get a Carfax report. You can find out ahead of time if the repair shop you want to use is licensed and whether there have been any Better Business Bureau complaints.

To check on or complain about a car, license or mechanic, click these links:

Vehicle history from Carfax

Local auto dealers, repair facilities from BBB

Verify a licensed auto dealer           

Verify a licensed auto repair facility             

File an online complaint against a license auto dealer or repair facility

To file a complaint by mail or fax:

Michigan Department of State                                                                                
Bureau of Regulatory Services
P.O. Box 30046
Lansing, MI  48909-7546
Fax:  (517) 373-8791

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>>Win the Lottery?  Probably not.

Target 8 Investigators hear from people who have received letters, emails or phone calls telling them they have won big in some sort of lottery.  But they have to give away personal information or cash to get their "winnings."   Remember -- if you didn't enter it, you didn't win it. Legitimate lotteries don't require you to pay before they give you money. 

From the FBI Internet Crime website

The email message usually reads similar to the following:

"This is to inform you of the release of money winnings to you. Your email was randomly selected as the winner and therefore you have been approved for a lump sum payout of $500,000.00. To begin your lottery claim, please contact the processing company selected to process your winnings."

An agency name follows this body of text with a point of contact, phone number, fax number, and an email address. An initial fee ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 is often requested to initiate the process and additional fee requests follow after the process has begun. These emails may also list a United States point of contact and address while also indicating the point of contact at a foreign address.

To learn more about internet crime or to file a complaint if you've been victimized:

Internet Fraud Schemes

Internet Crime Prevention Tips  

File a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General                       

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>> Home Wreckers

Bad/incomplete remodeling and roofing jobs are among the most frequent complaints Target 8 Investigators hear.  Check out potential contractors BEFORE you hire them.

If you already have a problem, contacting these places might help:

Tips from the Federal Trade Commission about contractors

Verify a licensed builder in Michigan

Western Michigan BBB for complaints

How to file a complaint about a contractor

How to file a complaint against a licensed builder

To file a complaint against a builder or contractor if:

The completion date is within 18 months and over $600 -

Department of Labor & Economic Growth
Bureau of Commercial Services Division
Commercial Enforcement Division
PO Box 30018
Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-241-9202
www.michigan.gov/cis

The completion date is over 18 months or under $600 -

Office of Attorney General
Consumer Protection
PO Box 30213
Lansing, Michigan 48909
877-765-8388 (toll free in Michigan)
www.michigan.gov/ag