Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Issues Warning About Smartphone Voice Search Scams

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to be cautious when using smartphone voice search and virtual assistant apps to find and dial phone numbers. The Better Business Bureau has recently issued a warning about the rising threat of scams targeting smartphone users who rely on voice-activated technology for convenience.

Scammers are exploiting this reliance by creating fake customer service numbers that appear at the top of search results when using voice search. Unsuspecting users may end up paying fees for services they never intended to purchase or have their personal information stolen.

The Better Business Bureau advises users to verify support phone numbers through official business channels, watch out for phony ads, go directly to the company’s website for support, and use credit cards for payments to facilitate dispute resolution.

If you fall victim to a smartphone voice search scam, the Better Business Bureau offers a platform for filing complaints.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Haunted Attractions: Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Is Said To Offer Up Real Life Paranormal Activity

Steeped in history and mystery, the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, has intrigued paranormal enthusiasts with its eerie phenomena. Constructed in 1829, the lighthouse has become a hotspot for those seeking the supernatural.

There have been reports of unexplained drops in temperature and flashlights flickering on and off without human intervention. A recent investigation was conducted at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse by Detroit Rock City Paranormal on October 22nd, with the hopes of finding out if the stories about the paranormal activity are true. 

To satisfy your own curiosity and experience the paranormal for yourself, Port Huron Museums offers guided tours of the historic site. 

For more information on the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse tours, visit: phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Community Service Commission Offers Grants For MLK Day Volunteer Projects

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is extending a helping hand to local communities across the state in honor of MLK Day. The MCSC has announced a grant program to support volunteer projects addressing various community needs geared towards honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King. 

Grants ranging from $100 to $1,000 will be awarded to projects aimed at engaging thousands of Michigan volunteers. The MCSC firmly believes that volunteer involvement is essential for building and strengthening thriving communities.

Complete grant applications should be submitted by December 13th, and projects are scheduled to take place between January 5th and January 22nd, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For more information and to apply, visit: 2024 MLK National Day of Service Grant Application Survey.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Executive Director Michael Hensley To Lead Blue Water Area Convention

The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Hensley as its new Executive Director. Hensley, a seasoned professional in the tourism industry, is set to take the reins from Marci Fogal, who is retiring in mid-2024 after 25 years of dedicated service.

With extensive experience gained during his tenure as the Director of Tourism Marketing at the Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB since 2017, Hensley brings a fresh perspective to Michigan’s Thumbcoast tourism landscape. Raised in Warren, Michigan, and with fond memories of summers spent along the Thumbcoast, Hensley is eager to contribute to the area’s ongoing growth and development.

The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau serves as the official destination marketing organization for Michigan’s Thumbcoast, dedicated to promoting the region as a premier travel destination and contributing to its economic prosperity.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Toyota Expands U.S. Safety Recall To Include 43,000 Additional Vehicles Due To Airbag Issue

Toyota has announced an expansion of its non-compliance safety recall in the United States, now encompassing an extra 43,000 vehicles from the 2023 model year. 

The affected models include the Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross hybrid, Highlander, Highlander hybrid, and Tacoma, bringing the total number of recalled vehicles in the U.S. to approximately 153,000. The Highlander has recently had an additional 751,000 vehicles recalled for potentially loose bumpers. 

Part of the mass recall is initiated due to a potential issue with the spiral cable assembly in the steering column, which could disrupt the electrical connection controlling the driver’s airbag. 

To check if your vehicle is part of a safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell