Bed Bath and Beyond may be out of business, but scammers want you to believe they’re still offering unreal deals.

Police are warning residents of St. Clair Shores that someone is calling people and pretending to be the chief of police before demanding personal information.

The people of Florida will need help over the coming days, weeks and possibly months amid significant damage and hazards caused by Hurricane Ian.

Did you receive an unexpected invoice from PayPal? Don’t send the money, it’s a scam.

With listings for everything from clog shoes to cars and cabinets, Facebook Marketplace is the hot spot to buy and sell goods online, and scammers know it, and now they’re working on getting your attention and your money.

More than 18 million people in the last year were scammed using apps, like Zelle or Cash App, to send money virtually.

If you’re in the market for a used car and have been shopping around online, it’s important to know which ads are legitimate, and which are scams.

Scammers are repeatedly using the same tactics to steal money and personal information from their victims in Michigan.

High tech thieves are targeting Amazon customers and cashing in.

Scammers are targeting DTE Energy customers who have been impacted by recent cold weather.

Many Metro Detroit residents are receiving calls from people pretending to work for DTE Energy, threatening to shut off services.

Here are some of the biggest scams you should be aware of right now.

Michigan drivers with auto insurance are expecting $400 refunds per vehicle.

Michigan drivers with auto insurance are expecting $400 refunds per vehicle.

We're sharing important information about how thieves are trying to trick you as you work to file your taxes right now.

One of the biggest scams Local 4 has seen during the pandemic is pet scams.

Thieves are making threats about power shutoffs amid a winter storm -- and it’s all in an attempt to reveal a victims personal information.

Each year, tax payers get conned by tax-related schemes meant to steal money and personal information from people.

President Joe Biden is expected to announce information about his plan to send high-quality masks to Americans for free.

Robocalls seem to have been growing in frequency around the U.S., and they are annoying and many can be traced back to elaborate scams.

Local 4′s Hank Winchester went looking for at-home COVID tests and discovered that while they are hard to find in Metro Detroit, it’s not impossible to find them.

Scammers are targeting people who are looking to rent an apartment or home in Metro Detroit.

Scams were on the rise in 2021, but there are ways you can protect yourself.

Officials with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office are warning residents to be extra vigilant of scam calls this holiday season.

The pandemic is making it easier and easier for scammers to take advantage of people, and the hectic holiday season only makes people more vulnerable to scams.

Help Me Hank has warned you about so-called romantic rip-offs in the past. Unfortunately, scammers are still working to break hearts and steal money from unsuspecting victims.

Automatically paying bills means that, chances are, you might never actually open them -- which means you may not even know what you’re paying for.

Scammers are evolving with technology. Now even a phone call from a trusted number may not be all that it seems. That’s the case for a number listed with the Henry Ford Health System.

Reports of identity theft in the U.S. doubled last year, and the problem isn’t going away anytime soon.

Scammers are targeting thousands in Metro Detroit who dealt with storm-related problems over the summer.

A Downriver man’s checking account was completely wiped out after a phone call with who he thought was a representative of his credit union.

College students are getting scammed at an alarming rate in Michigan and across the United States.

It’s easier than ever to digitally send and receive money right from your smartphone -- the trouble is, scammers know this, too.

Ordering takeout is easier these days than ever before -- but, of course, with the convenience comes the potential for scams.

Many companies use QR codes to lead consumers to their apps, help them track packages or view menus.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of scammers posing as lieutenants or other officers in an attempt to collect money, even threatening to arrest people if they do not pay.

People collecting unemployment may be at risk of having their identity stolen.

Scammers will attempt to retrieve your personal Medicare number.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants Michigan residents to watch out for scammers and price-gougers will try to take advantage of vehicle owners impacted by flooding.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants Michigan residents to watch out for scammers and price-gougers will try to take advantage of homeowners and vehicle owners impacted by flooding.

According to authorities, a man is posing as a DTE Energy employee and a general contractor in order to rip off the elderly.

With sales taking over the web, millions of people around the world will be logging on and hoping to save on Monday -- which also means that high tech thieves will be working to rip you off.

If you’ve tried to get a quote recently to have work done to your home, chances are you have discovered that contractors are busy and in high demand.

An elderly couple living in Troy has been scammed out of more than $140,000 in a matter of weeks.

Two Michiganders reportedly lost over $140,000 to a scammer pretending to be with Publishers Clearing House this year.

High tech thieves have a new way to trick those who are eager to travel.

The increased threat of identity theft is why experts are urging people to clean up their devices to protect their personal information.

A thief posing as a DTE worker stole more than $50,000 worth of jewelry from a 95-year-old woman in Madison Heights.

A scam alert reveals how thieves are targeting Michiganders who are collecting unemployment benefits.

According to the Better Business Bureau, tax scams are still a problem this year. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet this season, don’t put it off any longer! The IRS discovers cases of identity theft because personal information is stolen and a fake claim for a refund is filed. “The IRS is not going to contact you and give you those high pressure tactics,” Blankenship said. “There are unfortunately people out there that they’re banking on the fact that you’re not going to look into them any further, especially if they look professional,” Blankenship said.

DETROIT – A Metro Detroit woman is bringing attention to pet purchasing scams after she was scammed out of her own money. READ: Scammers using coronavirus to prey on grandparents, prospective pet ownersWhen Cindy Riggen saw a boxer puppy online, she fell in love. She spotted the dog being offered by a breeder in North Carolina and arranged to buy the dog. AdThe Better Business Bureau has seen a huge spike in pet scams like that one. READ: Metro Detroit woman scammed out of thousands of dollars when she tries to buy puppy online

DETROIT – Many people are eager to receive the COVID vaccine at Ford Field and scammers are taking advantage of that interest. The scammers are often after personal information. The thieves are requesting personal information to schedule a fake appointment. READ: Registration for COVID-19 vaccine at Ford Field now open -- How to registerScammers remain focused on taking advantage of the ongoing pandemic to gain access to your personal information. Michigan Attorney GeneralREAD: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases

The caller said all he had to do was buy $480 in eBay gift cards. Prepaid gift cards are being requested in several different types of scams, including government employee impersonation scams, secret shopper scams and puppy scams. The Better Business Bureau scam tracker showed that Americans lost nearly $3 million involving payments with prepaid gift cards in 2020. “Whenever you purchase a prepaid gift card, unfortunately it’s just like cash, you can’t get that money back,” Blankenship said. Click here for more information on prepaid gift card scams.

These are lies and scammers are just trying to get your personal information. “These extortionists call people up and pretend to be DEA agents and we just want to get the word out that these guys are fake.”Scammers claim to be with the DEA and ask for personal information such as identifying information or financial information. And they call people, and pretend to be DEA agents and try to get personal information from them. Whether it’s credit card information or social security number or even bank account information,” McNeal said. “I’ve seen upwards of $12,000 that people have fallen victim to and they will take it in any form if they can convince you to give them an Amazon gift card or Google Play gift card, or an iTunes gift card.

The FBI is warning about romance scams, pointing to “con artists” on most dating and social media sites who are breaking hearts and bank accounts. “Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you. Be aware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center -- www.ic3.gov.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents of scammers posing as law enforcement agencies or other companies, demanding payment for warrants or services via gift cards. “Make sure to be aware that no law enforcement agency will ever contact you by phone demanding that you pay, regardless of payment method, for your warrant to disappear. Spoofing allows scammers to disguise their actual phone numbers and instead show a local phone number on the caller ID. “The framework of these scams – whether it’s a law enforcement, grandparent, or tech support scam – are always the same. AdTo report fraud or if you have a general consumer complaint, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team online or by calling 877-765-8388.

DETROIT – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is putting out a warning to protect consumers from scammers who are preying on people’s fears during the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been reports of fake COVID-19 test kits and now there are fake vaccines being sold online. Thieves want more than just your money, they want your personal money. READ: Scammers use multiple methods to target victims -- Here’s what to watch out forWatch the video for the full report.

January is often a month people clear clutter from their homes, making room for new holiday gifts. A popular way to unload unwanted stuff is to sell it online on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. However, the Better Business Bureau warns that there is an overpayment scam targeting people selling their goods. In this scam, a buyer will ask for the extra money back. The Better Business Bureau recommends never shipping an item before being paid for it, be wary of offers that are too good to be true and watch out for counterfeit emails.

ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 78-year-old Orion Township woman was scammed out of more than $29,000, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said a scammer called the woman claiming to be an Amazon employee to verify that she purchased $8,000 worth of Apple products. Deputies said after the purchase was disputed, the caller transferred the woman to someone claiming to be a member of the Michigan State Police to make a report. The fake MSP trooper told the woman that she needed to provide all of her banking information to file the report. “Scammers continue to evolve their tactics and try to find ways to outsmart citizens,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard.

The stimulus money would likely start making its way to you by the end of the year or early January, and scammers are already making their move for your money. “A lot of con-artists out there are going to calling, emailing, looking for your personal information. They don’t need you personal information, they don’t need your bank account numbers. “Make sure that you’re being very cautious anytime you’re receiving a text message or email as well. “Either they’re hoping to get your money, or they’re hoping that you’re going to give your personal information.”

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents to watch out for imposter scams related to DTE Energy. DTE Energy reported that it has received complaints about calls that were made to customers by someone claiming to be a DTE Energy employee. It was an attempt to get personal information and cash. Some common scams to watch out for include IRS scams, social security scams, telephone scams, charity scams, romance scams and investment scams. Legitimate organizations won’t call, email, or text to ask you for personal information.

The delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in the state of Michigan is exciting and promising news for millions, but it’s also a call for scammers to try to capitalize on the moment. Scams involving the COVID-19 vaccine have the attention of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses are rolling out to Michigan hospitals and clinics this week, and scammers know that. That’s now how distribution of the vaccine will work, medical officials said. Anyone who has questions about the vaccine or any suspicious contact about the distribution should contact a trusted medical professional.

DETROIT – With the Pfizer vaccine potentially getting emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday, scammers are already lined up ready and waiting. Scammers want to trick people to get their money and personal information. READ: A look at the small town in Michigan working on Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine“A big day as the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the UK,” Melanie Duquesnel with the Better Business Bureau said. “A big day for healthcare, and a big day for scammers who are already looking to make their move.”Some people are already receiving calls and emails telling people if they want the vaccine they’re going to need to pay up. READ: What will the COVID-19 vaccine cost?

TROY, Mich. – Police are issuing a warning to anyone trying to sell one of the hottest holiday gifts on the resale market. Troy police said they’re investigating multiple cases of people being scammed while reselling the PlayStation 5 gaming system. Troy Police are noticing more scams involving the PlayStation 5. This is happening unfortunately not just in Troy but around the country,” said John Julian with Troy Police Department. Police advise that if you’re going to meet and sell items, go with a friend and have your cellphone ready in case something goes wrong.

Michigan officials are warning residents of an email scam that is attempting to retrieve personal information from individuals collecting unemployment benefits. According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, an email is being sent to claimants seeking personal information. Michigan residents are being warned of an email scam targeting individuals who collect unemployment benefits. (Michigan Department of Attorney General)Officials say the UIA would never ask a claimant to reply to an email with personal information. “Bad actors are increasingly sophisticated in their efforts to deceive people into giving away personal information,” Nessel said.

Scam artists have found many ways during the coronavirus pandemic to try and con people out of their money or personal information. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new text message claiming to offer $1,200 for participation in a local COVID study. “We have heard from consumers that there’s a text message going around that says if you participate in the study, you’ll earn $1,200,” said Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO of eastern Michigan Better Business Bureau. The difficulty is that you cannot, through a text message, determine if they’re a reputable company.”Click here to view the Better Business Bureau Scam TrackerWhen it comes to phishing scams, beware any unsolicited communication. Never click on links or download anything from a text message or email.

DETROIT – Holiday shopping season is kicking into high gear and because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more people will be shopping online. Melanie Duquesnel is the president of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan. “If a deal appears to be too good to be true, it probably is,” Duquesnel said. The scammers call and when you answer you get a recorded message claiming to be from Amazon stating there is a problem with your Amazon account. Scammers also send emails or texts, asking you to verify your personal information -- all so they can steal it.

DETROIT – The Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning about scam artists who are taking advantage of people by targeting their cellphones. Scammers are pretending to be from the government, a police agency, or even COVID-19 contact tracers. They’re trying to get your information to sell, or your money. “They’re trying to bait you into being fearful,” Duquesnel said. Walk away.”If you have given away any personal information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

Seal coating scams typically take place this time of year, but now thieves are going door-to-door and targeting people who are home because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Police and officials with the Better Business Bureau issued a warning about the scam in Metro Detroit. With more people staying at home during the pandemic, scammers are having more success going door-to-door, experts said. Melanie Duquesnel, of the BBB, is urging residents to be cautious if anyone shows up at the door and offers a great deal. You can watch the full Help Me Hank report in the video above.

FARMINGTON, Mich. – Police are warning Metro Detroiters about a new election scam involving a so-called “group of activists” who go door-to-door and offer to take ballots to clerks offices. The latest election scam has taken place in Farmington, officials said. Melanie Dequesnal, of the Better Business Bureau, said there’s always a concern when someone shows up at the door unannounced, especially as election scams grow. Homeowners should be prepared for these types of scams, Dequesnal said. Unfortunately, this is just one of the many election scams they’re following, according to authorities.

The Better Business Bureau is getting a steady dose of complaints about hoverboards.com. Here’s what you need to know to avoid getting scammed. More: Help Me Hank

Rental scams are starting to become a serious problem in Metro Detroit as high-tech criminals take advantage of fears about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hundreds of online advertisements are promoting rental properties across the area, but officials with the Better Business Bureau said beware of potential scams. Criminals are posting fake ads and sometimes saying they can’t show anyone the properties because of the threat from COVID-19. Another red flag is if they demand cash up front or ask for payments through gift cards. You can watch Hank Winchester’s full report and hear from an expert with the BBB in the video posted above.

A Metro Detroit woman was scammed out of $30,000 in the same week she lost her husband. Shortly after her husband died, she received an email from what she thought was Best Buys Geek Squad. The person on the other end said hed refund her $300 and asked if her computer was running slow. I just thought, OK,, hes gonna look at my computer, Ihlenfeldt said. If you dont know whats going on, or if you feel unsure, most of all, tell your bank, Ihlenfeldt said.

Help Me Hank is tracking a new election scam thats targeting voters in key swing states, including Michigan. Its a key state for both sides, but now a new election scam is targeting Michigan voters, including those in Metro Detroit. Melanie Duquesnel, of the Better Business Bureau, is tracking the robocall scam. Voters think theyre getting a recorded call from politicians asking for a donation. In reality, the calls have been edited using the candidates actual words and splicing them together to make people think theyre asking for credit card or personal information.

DETROIT – Absentee voting is presenting an opportunity for criminals to take your personal information. Millions of voters are expecting to vote absentee in November and scammers are aware of that. The BBB is tracking one regarding fake absentee ballot information. The scammer will ask if you want to sign up to get an absentee ballot, then will start asking for personal information. If you have questions about absentee voting you should contact your local clerk’s office or visit the Secretary of State’s website.

DETROIT Hundreds of millions of dollars are donated to presidential campaigns, and scammers are trying to capitalize on that opportunity at every turn. Donald Trump and Mike Pence vs. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is the next big political showdown, and scammers are looking to prey on peoples support. Within the last 24 hours alone, the Biden campaign reported receiving a record number of donations. But now theres a new warning from the Better Business Bureau about scammers looking to take your cash. You can watch the full Help Me Hank report in the video posted above.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Treasury issued a warning Tuesday that Michigan residents are receiving text messages regarding unclaimed property that is likely a scam. The department says multiple individuals have reported receiving text messages from an unknown source that offer to reunite the individual with their “unclaimed property.” These messages typically come with a link that the recipient is asked to click to claim their property. Michigan residents are urged not to interact with or respond to the text messages, as they are not affiliated with the state treasury. Unclaimed property such as assets in dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes and certificates are turned over to the state treasury by law once they are considered abandoned and unclaimed, officials said. Anyone concerned that they have unclaimed property can visit the state’s website here or call 517-636-5320 between 9 a.m.-noon on Monday and Friday or 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

DETROIT – Scammers are targeting thousands of Michigan residents trying to get their unemployment benefits, making an already frustrating process even harder. Officials said scammers are somehow getting their hands on a list of people who have filed for benefits. They’re using that list to target residents who have already been hit hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Filing for unemployment has been a well-documented struggle for thousands of Michiganders. Help Me Hank has learned scammers are targeting those who have accounts locked and asking them to verify information over the phone.

DETROIT – A new scam is targeting thousands of Michigan residents who are still struggling to get answers about their unemployment benefits. Scammers are on social media offering people help with their unemployment problems in exchange for cash. Scams have made the process even more difficult, and now, there’s a warning from Attorney General Dana Nessel about scammers on social media. Those scammers are offering help to Michiganders, but unfortunately, they only want to steal their money. “Do not, under any circumstances, pay a fee or offer up your personal information to someone on social media.”

Here’s what scammers are doing to target Michiganders filing for unemploymentPublished: June 19, 2020, 5:46 pmScammers are targeting thousands of Michigan residents trying to get their unemployment benefits, making an already frustrating process even harder.

DETROIT – Many people watching police brutality protests around the county and in Metro Detroit want to donate, but officials are warning that scammers are trying to cash in on the opportunity. Scammers are looking to take advantage of the generosity of people who try to donate on behalf of the George Floyd protests. If you want to donate, don’t rush, BBB officials said. Investigate where your money is going and donate to local organizations. There are some legitimate organizations and accounts that have been established for donations.

DETROIT The debate in Washington continues over a possible second round of individual stimulus payments to American workers. Millions of American have already received the stimulus check, helping many during these difficult financial times. Just the talk of a second check in Washington is enough for scammers to make a move. A new round of emails popping up this week from scammers warning that if you dont provide your personal information, you may not get a second check. There has been no decision yet regarding the possibility of a second check.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a phone scammer targeting the area. Officials say there have been multiple recent reports of a caller posing as a member of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office requesting money from residents in lieu of being arrested. The sheriff’s office says the phone calls are not legitimate and warns residents from giving away personal information or meeting up with the caller. Anyone who receives a scam call and is concerned is encouraged to visit the sheriff’s office to verify any arrest warrants in their name. Officials say the Macomb County Detective Bureau is investigating the scam phone calls.

LANSING, Mich. – The office of Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel is sharing informative videos regarding consumer protection amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand todayThe office initially planned to host the informative “AG Scam Jam” events in person, but has since moved online due to the pandemic. “While we unfortunately cannot host events in person at this time, consumer protection information and education is still a priority to this office,” Nessel said. The department is published a second video on Tuesday to discuss COVID-19 scams, internet surfing and consumer protection resources. The announcement of the video series follows multiple reports of scams related to COVID-19 throughout Michigan.

New scams are targeting Metro Detroiters amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents of potential door-to-door scammers posing as government officials amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Nessel says residents should be wary of scammers offering information on stimulus checks, unemployment benefits or other programs and services related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Related: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand today“While we are not aware of any specific instances of door-to-door scammers in Michigan, residents should be prepared for anything in this time of emergency,” Nessel said. Scammers will typically request a fee in exchange for a service offered or convince an individual to provide personal or financial information, officials said. Census workers typically make door-to-door visits this time of year, but the 2020 Census operations schedule has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DETROIT – Fraudsters are ramping up their tax scam plans to steal from unsuspecting victims. In the next few months, expect an increase in scam calls from people pretending to be from the IRS. If a scammer steals your social security number, they’ll look to cash in quickly. The IRS only allows for one tax return per social security number, so if a scammer beats you to it, you’re out of luck. Tax lawyer Kelly Phillips-Erb said that’s a sign of the latest tax scam.

Fraudsters are ramping up their tax scam plans to steal from unsuspecting victims. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.