The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced on May 5 the launch of a new investor education campaign and website aimed at helping residents understand, recognize, and avoid investment fraud.
The initiative is intended to provide clear information about common scams, warning signs, and practical steps that individuals can take before making financial decisions. The department said that losses tied to investment-related scams, including those involving cryptocurrency, have increased significantly in recent years. In 2025 alone, Michigan reported thousands of complaints and over $150 million in losses related to cryptocurrency fraud.
“Investment fraud can affect anyone,” said Marlon I. Brown, LARA Director. “This campaign is about giving people the tools and information they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves before they invest.”
The new Investor Education website offers free access to resources covering topics such as common investor scams, tips for avoiding scammers, and ways to check the licensing or complaint records of brokers. The department noted that many scams are now occurring online through platforms like Facebook and Instagram using AI-generated deepfakes.
While adults over age 55 remain frequent targets for traditional pension schemes, officials said younger populations are also being affected by newer online tactics. "Understanding how these scams work is one of the most effective ways to avoid them," Brown said. "We encourage Michiganders to take advantage of these resources and verify information before making any investment decisions."
Residents are urged by LARA to be cautious with investments promising high returns with little risk; verify credentials using www.finra.org/brokercheck; ask detailed questions about any opportunity; and report suspected fraud directly to LARA or law enforcement agencies.
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