This month, the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) announced that there has been a scam going around targeting architect licensees.
If you’ve received any emails or text messages that claim to be associated with the Michigan government and they request sensitive personal information – this is a scam.
Here are some ways to keep your personal information safe:
- Do not trust unsolicited requests for any personal information. LARA will not contact you directly asking for personal information, and their official correspondence always includes a contact number or email address.
- Do not respond to or open hyperlinks in emails or text messages requesting to “validate your personal data.” If there are any hyperlinks in the email, check the link or URL before clicking. LARA websites always have the “Michigan.gov” domain name.
- Do not share your licensing, personal, or financial information over the telephone or via text message with a purported representative of the Department. Contact LARA at BPLHelp@michigan.gov or 517-241-0199 to verify if the Department is requesting any information from you.
- If you suspect fraud, report it immediately online to BPLHelp@michigan.gov.
After following these steps to protect your information, don’t forget to ensure you stay licensed by completing your continuing education before October 31st! View our state-approved online course packages below.