DETROIT (WWJ) - DTE Energy is warning customers about a sophisticated new scam that mimics the utility's customer service line.
"You may get a call from someone who claims to be from DTE. Your caller ID may say DTE Energy with an actual DTE Energy number, but that's not always the case," DTE Spokesman John Fossin said. "So we want customers to know the red flags that you're about to be part of a scam."
One telling sign, he said, is 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.
Fossin said the utility does not call customers for payment if the account is in good standing. If a customer is behind on payments, DTE will mail a warning notice; and DTE will never ask customers for a specific form of payment, such as pre-paid Visa cards, wire transfers, bitcoins or cash.
Fossin said more than a few people have been conned in this way, many of them business clients.
"We've had reports from our customers of 208 separate incidents of phone scams; and unfortunately those customers lost a total of $273,000," he said. "And, again, those are just those who report. Obviously there are other people who don't report phone scams and being taken because they're embarrassed."
Fossin advises customers to always 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 suspect the call may be fraudulent, hang up and call DTE Corporate Security at 313-235-9113, and if you are contacted via email or social media by someone demanding payment, never give out personal information, including Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers.
DTE notes that while phone and online scams are becoming more common, crooks may also come to the door.
The utility stresses that all DTE Electric and DTE Gas employees and contractors carry photo ID badges, and are required to display their badges 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.
Those who believe they have been scammed should call their local police.
