Scammers are going door to door looking for unsuspecting victims, looking for a quick picture of your utility bill with one fundamental goal in mind in Metro Detroit.
The scammers claim they’re from your local utility company and ask to take a photo of your bill, but they are scammers looking to steal your identity, which has Michigan State Police have a warning for you.
“These scammers are doing this, and they ask to see your bill. Don’t give it to them,” said Michigan State Police.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) wants you to have a story ready if a stranger approaches your door. After all, right now, it may be a consumer scam, but it could be DTE or a local business owner. Be ready to know what you will say.
“Have your story prepared so you’re not caught off guard, and you can control the situation,” said Melanie Duquesnel of the Better Business Bureau.
If something seems off and you think it could be a scammer, call your local police immediately.
“Our work at Consumers Energy starts with safety, and that includes the financial wellbeing of our customers. While it is troubling that con artists continue to prey on utility customers by pretending to represent legitimate companies, Consumers Energy has a wealth of information [consumersenergy.com/residential/avoiding-scams]available online to help customers feel confident in deflecting potential scams. It is always important to remember that:
Real contractors or employees of Consumers Energy always wear an identification badge, so if someone knocks on your door claiming to represent the company, ask to see it. Any legitimate employee will gladly show it to you on request.
Remember, we always provide advance notice if we need to get into your home. We never show up unannounced.
We will never use scare tactics or threaten to shut off your service if you don’t let us into your home or won’t show your bill or statement.
If you believe a scammer is trying to get into your home, lock all your doors and immediately call 911 and report it to the police.
Also keep in mind:
Consumers Energy never asks for your credit card information over the phone, and instead will transfer you to a secure system for payments.
If someone is asking for personal information and says they’re from Consumers Energy, hang up and call 800-477-5050.
Consumers Energy does not demand specific methods to pay bills, such as prepaid debit cards.
Customers with concerns should end an interaction immediately and call 800-477-5050.”
Tracy Wimmer, Media Relations and Spokesperson for Consumers Energy
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