LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents to beware of a new scam aimed at those struggling to pay rent. AdMany Michigan residents are finding it difficult to pay rent during COVID-19 because the pandemic has caused economic hardship for countless families and individuals. Avoid companies that tell you to stop paying rent or require an up-front fee. Anyone struggling to make rent payments should discuss it with their landlord and look into local programs that offer rental assistance and other help. Those who are facing eviction or need help paying rent may soon find assistance through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CERA) administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).