Michigan Attorney General Warns of DTE Imposter Scams

Ugh, if only scammers took a break during the holidays (or during a pandemic!) - but nope. Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel recently issued an alert about scams related to DTE Energy.

Here's how the scam works: Someone posing as a DTE employee calls and tells you your service will be shut off. The scammer then requests payment via bitcoin or prepaid money card. If you call back the number that shows up on caller ID, you're greeted by a convincing imposter who claims they can help you avoid shutoff. Instead, they take advantage of you by getting your personal info and/ or money.

Nessel says,

"Some bad actors are using the ongoing pandemic to their full advantage to scam Michigan residents. It’s important to remember that utility companies will never call, email, or show up unannounced to demand payment or threaten shutoff. Don’t give in to the bullying or threats of a scammer – call your utility company directly from a phone number available on their website or listed on your utility bill.”

She reminds residents DTE and other utility companies will never:

• Solicit personal information for a government program that claims to reduce energy bills.
• Visit your home to collect a bill or threaten shutoff.
• Show up unannounced at a customer’s home to inspect or repair equipment, investigate a leak or do a free audit for energy efficiency.
• Request immediate payment, instructing customer to purchase a prepaid debit card, or any form of unusual payment.
• Request personal or financial information, such as Social Security number, utility account number or payment information.
• Claim a customer is entitled to a refund or rebate asking  for bank account or credit card information to make the alleged refund.
• Use aggressive tactics to get into a customer’s home.

If you suspect you have been contacted by an imposter posing as a DTE employee, call 800-477-4747 to speak to a customer representative who can confirm the status of your account.

You may also file a complaint online with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team or call 877-765-8388.