(WXYZ) — DTE Energy is encouraging its customers to be vigilant of utility imposters.
The scam consists of caller ID showing the call is coming from DTE. In some cases, the scammers provide callback numbers that answer with a recorded greeting like the one played on DTE Energy's customer service line.
Additionally, DTE has also received reports of scammers calling customers and demanding an immediate payment via bitcoin or else power would be shut off.
In the past, DTE says scammers have also demanded payment via Green Dot debit card, Western Union wire transfer and/or cash.
DTE says customers should learn to recognize the following 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 SSN before discussing account details.
- Bullying – DTE says alarm bells should ring when someone calls and says a crew is on the way to shut off service unless there's an immediate pament. The more aggressive the caller, the more skeptical customers should be.
- Demanding a specific form of payment – DTE does not ask for a specific form of payment. It provides a variety of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers and more.
On the phone:
- Do not trust caller ID. If you suspect the call is a scam, hang up and call DTE Corporate Security at 313-235-9113.
- Ask for identification. Pull out your most recent DTE bill and ask the caller to tell you the account number and the account due.
- If you believe you've received a fraudulent phone call, call your local police immediately.
At the door:
- Ask for ID. All DTE Electric and DTE Gas employees are required to display their badge if asked.
- Do not allow people into our home who claim to offer a refund or attempt to collect a bill payment. DTE never delivers cash refunds or collects payments at customers' homes/businesses.
