Great Lakes Wire

Ahead of Utility Scam Awareness Day on November 20, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reiterated her consumer alert regarding utility imposter scams. These scams involve individuals pretending to be utility company employees to deceive consumers into providing money and personal or financial information.

"Scammers often bully utility consumers, threatening to shut off their gas or electricity to coerce them into handing over personal or financial information," Nessel stated. "However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams. Remember, utility companies will never demand immediate payment in person or over the phone."

Utility companies offer several methods for bill payment, including online options, phone payments, automatic bank drafts, mail, or in-person transactions. However, they will not:

- Demand immediate payment or request payment through unusual means such as Green Dot debit cards, Western Union wire transfers, bitcoin, or apps like Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle.

- Solicit personal information under the pretense of enrolling consumers in a government program that claims to reduce energy bills.

- Make unannounced visits to collect a bill or threaten service disconnection. Utilities will not threaten to disrupt service in person, by phone, or via email. All shut-off notices are sent through USPS and include steps for account restoration.

- Visit homes unannounced for equipment inspections or repairs without prior notification.

- Request sensitive personal details such as social security numbers or utility account numbers.

- Claim entitlement to refunds and ask for bank account details.

Attorney General Nessel urges consumers to remain cautious if someone claims their utility service will be disconnected without prior notice. Utilities typically notify customers of overdue accounts by mail with instructions for restoring service. Consumers should avoid responding to demands for immediate payment or sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts.

If contacted by a suspected utility imposter, consumers can report it online to the Michigan Public Service Commission or call 800-292-9555. If bank account or credit card details were mistakenly shared with a suspected impostor, Nessel advises contacting the relevant financial institution immediately.

Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) is an organization dedicated to fighting impostor utility scams by offering a platform for utilities and trade associations to share data and best practices while working together on initiatives aimed at informing and protecting customers. They have also published a comprehensive Consumer Guide to Imposter Utility Scams for consumer assistance.

To report a scam or file a complaint contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team at P.O. Box 30213 Lansing MI 48909; phone: 517-335-7599; fax: 517-241-3771; toll-free: 877-765-8388; Online complaint form available.