Scams are on the rise and those who are seeking to defraud people are particularly targeting the elderly and vulnerable people throughout southwest Michigan, the rest of the state and country.

As we become wise to the tactics of scam artists, their efforts are becoming even more clever as they constantly try new ways to disguise who they are and trick people into giving them money or valuable information.

There are a number of active scam operations going on, including a common scam where a person makes unsolicited phone calls claiming to be an IRS official or from Medicare. State and federal tax officials will never initially contact you by phone to demand immediate payment, and they will never threaten to call the police to arrest you for not paying.

Another scam involves a person pretending to be someone’s grandchild to coerce them for money over the phone. Readers should also be aware of a voice-recording scam going around — do not respond to questions that can be answered with “yes” from unknown callers.

Despite what a scammer might say, you are in control of your information. Stay vigilant and never give your credit card, bank account or Social Security number over the phone. Nor should you ever click on unfamiliar email links or open suspicious emails from unknown senders.

I encourage everyone to report suspected scams to the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-(877) 765-8388. Victims of scams should contact their local law enforcement agency. If scammers were able to get credit card or bank account information, residents should contact their financial institution immediately.

The attorney general’s office also offers “Consumer Alerts” at michigan.gov/ag under “Services,” including alerts on identity theft and popular scams.

You may also add your home and mobile phone numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry. To register, residents can call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number they want to register. For more information or to register online, visit donotcall.gov.

Kim LaSata, is a Republican representing the 21st District, which includes Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. She can be reached at (517) 373-6960 or SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov.