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MPSC urges Michiganders to keep a watchful eye out for criminals posing as utility workers

News media contact: Matt Helms 517-284-8300  

Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555   

 

The Michigan Public Service Commission urges Michiganders to be aware of signs that someone is a utility worker impostor, and to never let someone in your home unless you’re sure they’re who they say they are.

The warning follows the killing last week of an Oakland County resident by two men posing as DTE Energy Co. gas workers and claiming to be investigating a gas leak. One of the men shown in doorbell camera video wore a safety vest and badge. Once inside the home, a 72-year-old man was killed and his wife tied up. One suspect has been arrested, and police are searching for his accomplice.

“We’re heartbroken that criminals would do something so horrendous, and we want to help Michigan families stay safe from perpetrators who would take advantage of people by posing as workers for energy utilities,” MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said. “We urge everyone to learn ways to spot impostors and prevent them from putting you in danger.”

Be wary of unannounced visits. If someone shows up at your home saying he or she is from a utility, ask to see a badge with photo ID, and if the person refuses, do not allow them into your home. If you are still unsure about the identity or motive of the worker after verifying their badge, you can call your utility and verify they are supposed to be at your residence and the work they are scheduled to do. If the person acts irritated or in an otherwise strange way, call 911.

Here are tips to help keep your family safe:

  • Utilities generally seek to contact customers in advance, by phone, email or text, before visiting a home. Utility employees will only rarely need to enter a home, but when it is necessary, utilities will try multiple ways to contact customers in advance to notify them of work that needs to be done.
  • Utility employees are required to carry photo identification badges and show the badge when asked. A utility employee or contractor who refuses to show their badge should be refused entry.
  • Ask the employee why they are there and, if in doubt, call your utility directly, using the customer phone number your utility includes on your bill, to confirm the visit is needed before allowing anyone entry or access to their property. Keep your door locked when making the call, and if you must speak to the person, do so without allowing them access to your home.

     

    Scammers don’t always show up in person to try to pull off a scam. They also will try to get information over the phone.

    If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from a utility and threatening to shut off service unless a payment is made immediately, it’s probably a scam call and you should hang up. Same goes for suspicious emails and text messages.

    You should know that:

  • Utility companies never call customers demanding immediate payment to keep service from being shut off. Customers will be notified of overdue balances and potential service disconnections through their monthly bill, while scammers will aggressively warn that a utility bill is past due, and service will be disconnected without immediate payment. They may ask you to pay through prepaid cards, gift cards, mobile payment apps, cryptocurrency or another unusual manner.
  • Never give out your account numbers or personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, or Social Security number.
  • If you suspect a call to be fraudulent, hang up and immediately call your utility at the telephone number on your bill and ask to speak with a customer service representative.
  • If you’ve mistakenly provided bank account information, call your bank and local police department. Place an initial fraud alert on your credit report for at least 90 days.
  • You can also file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, www.michigan.gov/ag, and the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.

 

For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the MPSC on Facebook, X/Twitter or LinkedIn.

 

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