DETROIT, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy,
Michigan's largest energy company,
is urging customers to beware of scammers posing as their electric
or natural gas supplier. DTE has seen an increase in scam artists
targeting customers, claiming to be a representative from the
company and asking for sensitive information or immediate
payment.
In conjunction with Utilities United Against Scams' Utility Scam
Awareness Week across North
America on Nov. 17-23, 2019,
DTE wants to share the red flags of a utility imposter, whether it
be in-person, on the phone, or online.
In recent incidents, scammers pretending to be from DTE have
called customers demanding that if they didn't receive immediate
payment power would be shut off. These scammers typically
demand payment via Bitcoin, Green Dot debit card, Western Union
wire transfer, various gift cards or cash. Technology has enhanced
the con artists' ability to trick customers, letting them
manipulate caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming
from DTE Energy. In some cases, the perpetrators provide call-back
numbers that play a recorded greeting similar to DTE's customer
service line.
"Our customer safety and trust is a top priority for us. We want
our customers to know that DTE would never ask for immediate
payment or the need for money wiring through Bitcoin or other
sources," said Angie Pizzuti, vice
president of customer service. "We are working diligently to combat
these scams, and we urge customers to know the red flags of scams
so they do not fall victim."
Customers should verify all information before making payments
over the phone, and should learn to recognize the red flags:
Someone asks for your DTE account number
DTE Energy
DOES NOT ask customers to provide their account numbers. Customers
will be asked to validate account information such as the billing
zip code, or last four digits of their Social Security number prior
to discussing account details to protect our customers' private
information. DTE Energy DOES NOT call for payment if the account is
in good standing. If a customer is behind on payments, DTE will
mail a warning notice, providing the steps to restore the account
to good standing and continue service.
Bullying
Alarm bells should ring when someone calls
and says a crew is on the way to shut off service unless there's an
immediate payment. The more aggressive the caller, the more
skeptical customers should be.
Demanding a specific form of payment
DTE Energy does
not demand a specific form of payment. In fact, it provides a
variety of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards,
bank/ACH transfers and more. If a caller insists on payment via a
prepaid debit card — especially a specific brand of prepaid card —
it is a scam.
On the Phone
- DO NOT trust your caller ID. Scammers are using caller ID
spoofing to make the call appear to originate from DTE Energy. If
you suspect the call may be fraudulent, hang up and call DTE
Customer Service at 800.477.4747. Similar scams also spoof caller
ID and claim to be the IRS and other credible sources.
- Ask for identification. Pull out your most recent DTE Energy
bill and ask the caller to tell you the account number and the
amount due.
- If you have received a call of this nature and believe you are
the victim of fraud, contact your local police immediately.
At the Door
- Ask for identification. All DTE Electric and DTE Gas employees
and contractors carry photo identification badges, and are required
to display their badge if asked. If you are unsure about an
employee's identification, or want to verify the nature of the work
to be done at your home, call DTE at 800.477.4747.
- Do not allow people into your home who:
-
- Claim to offer a DTE refund. Our employees never hand deliver
cash refunds or rebates to customers' homes.
- Attempt to collect a bill payment. DTE does not collect or
accept utility bill payments at customers' homes or
businesses.
DTE encourages customers to call the police if you believe the
person at your door is a con artist posing as a utility worker.
On the Web
- The web is increasingly being used to commit fraud and identity
theft. Scammers use e-mail, text messaging and social media sites,
such as Facebook and Twitter.
- Never give out personal information, including Social Security,
bank account or credit card numbers over the Internet to someone
you do not know.
If you suspect you have been fraudulently contacted, call
800.477.4747 to speak with a customer service representative who
can confirm the status of your account and make appropriate
arrangements for payment, if needed.
For customers in situations where their identities may be
compromised, DTE advises all customers to immediately call their
local police, take advantage of free credit reporting, watch for
new accounts opened in their name and report any unusual activity
to DTE immediately.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a
Detroit-based diversified energy
company involved in the development and management of
energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating
units include an electric company serving 2.2 million customers in
Southeast Michigan and a natural
gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy
businesses focused on power and industrial projects; renewable
natural gas; natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage; and
energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader,
DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane
emissions by more than 80 percent by 2040 to produce cleaner energy
while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric
aspires to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. DTE is committed to
serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and
employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress.
Information about DTE is available at
dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy
and facebook.com.
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SOURCE DTE Energy