August 2026 Update:
Warning: New LARA Impersonation Scam to Know About
Know How to Determine When an Email Is Actually from LARA and the Steps to Take to Reduce the Risk of Falling For a Scam
The MAC office has received word from a member earlier this week that they received a seemingly official email from LARA that after further examination looks like a scam. The email came from the email dfs@myfo.com and the name “Michigan_Department_of_Licensing_and_Regulatory_Affairs_Bureau_of_Professic”. This email is a scam, as confirmed by LARA, here.
In light of this new potential round of fraudulent emails directed toward LARA licensees, we are re-sharing an article we first published last year on the guidelines for dealing with LARA or other official State of Michigan entities. Please see below.
Key Points
- LARA will never ask you to provide your credit card numbers or other personal information over the phone, by text, email, or letter.
- LARA has identified fraudulent emailsimpersonating LARA officials. These emails may reference “Action Required – LARA Enforcement Notice #83700” and request signatures or confidential information.
- Do NOT click links or share personal data.
- Be cautious of emails that create urgency or request confidential actions.
- Verify communications via official channels: Michigan.gov/LARA
- If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to LARA-Safety@michigan.gov
- See LARA’s IT Security & Data Protectionpage for more information on how to identify scams and report suspicious activity.
Steps YOU Can Take to Reduce the Risk of Falling for a Scam
Important Update: The MAC office has gotten two different calls from doctors this week about a scam operation where someone claiming to be police officers are telling them that they missed a court date as an expert witness and there is a warrant out for their arrest. But, if they just pay a fine, the warrant will go away…
One doctor said the fine was $5,000. So, be sure to follow the guidelines set below when dealing with anyone claiming to be from an official entity such as the police, especially when they ask you for information or money.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is again warning licensees to be aware of potential scam artists impersonating officials from LARA and other governmental agencies. It is critical that licensees such as chiropractors know how to determine when an email or other communication is actually from LARA and the steps they can take to reduce the risk of falling for a scam. Keep in mind the following:
Communications from LARA
- By Mail: Official mailed communications from LARA will be on LARA letterhead.
- By Email: Official, emailed communications will typically come from the “@michigan.gov” domain.
If you are concerned that a communication (including a phone call or text) is not from a LARA official, you may request verification by contacting LARA by a means listed here.
LARA will not contact you directly asking for personal information.
Be suspicious of communications indicating that you must take immediate action to provide payment or other sensitive information to avoid license suspensions or other official actions by LARA. When in doubt, verify the communication. Correspondence from LARA will always include a contact number or email address.
Important Note: Chiropractors will most often need to contact the Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL). BPL includes the Enforcement Division, Licensing Division, and Investigations & Inspections Division. They are responsible for licensing and regulating individuals who are regulated by the Michigan Public Health Code.
Payments to LARA
LARA warns to be suspicious of any communication saying you must take immediate action to provide payment or other sensitive information to avoid license suspensions or other official actions by LARA. When in doubt, verify the communication. Also, keep in mind the following:
Credit Card Payments
- Authorized credit-card transactions are only accepted online and through a payment portal or database linked from a State of Michigan website.
- Do not give your credit card or other financial information to anyone over the phone, through email or mail, via text message, or by any other means.
Payment by Check
- Authorized payment by check should only be made out to the State of Michigan and mailed to an official State of Michigan address that can be verified online here.
- Never make out a check to an individual or entity other than the State of Michigan.
Cash Payments
- Authorized cash payments can be made by appointment at LARA’s official cashier’s location at 2407 North Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906. Customers can make appointments by clicking the appropriate links:
- Corporation, Securities, and Commercial Licensing
- All other LARA customers
- Cash payments should never be made in person outside an official cashier’s location.
- Never send cash by mail – even if it is to an official LARA address.
Requests for Personal Information / Links
Always be cautious of any unsolicited requests for any personal information, including any details regarding licensing, personal identifiers, or financial information. Do not share any information over the telephone, by email, or via text message with an alleged representative of LARA without first verifying the authenticity of the communication.
If asked for sensitive information, ask the representative to contact you from a michigan.gov email account or provide you with an official request by mail.
Hyperlinks: Be especially wary of any unexpected emails or links to websites in any communications allegedly from LARA. Do not respond to emails or click on links in unverified emails or texts requesting to verify your personal data. LARA websites will have the “Michigan.gov” domain name.
If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes, creating an even bigger headache.
Additional Information
- If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to LARA-Transparency-Liaison@Michigan.gov or call (517) 335-9700.
- To learn more about recognizing and protecting yourself from a scam, go to the Michigan Department of Attorney General Consumer Protection at https://www.michigan.gov/consumerprotection/scams.
- View an example of a Fraudulent LARA Email (webpage)
- More information: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/identity-protection.
- For information on one particular scam involving alleged narcotics and a chiropractic licensee, see this article in the Fall 2024 edition of the eJournal.
Sources:
LARA webpage, “Protect Your Identity – Don’t Get Scammed”
LARA Email, “Beware of Scams Impersonating LARA,” August 30, 2025
