Be aware of online scammers who aim to trick people into calling bogus phone numbers and obtain access to personal information
We are warning customers to be aware of online scammers who aim to trick people into calling bogus phone numbers and obtain access to credit cards, bank accounts or other personal information. We have also shared information about these scam attempts with state and federal law enforcement agencies.
“Consumers Energy looks out for the people we serve, so we want to build awareness and encourage people to watch out for criminals who look out for no one’s well-being but their own,” said Brian Rich, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president and chief customer officer. “People can take steps to make sure they’re dealing legitimately with us and protect their money and personal information.”
Some customers have inadvertently contacted scammers after going online to search for the company’s phone number. Online searches have led people to call criminals who pretend to be with the company. The scammers request payment for services like starting new accounts, which usually don’t require a deposit, or tell the caller they have an outstanding balance that they need to pay immediately.
If you have made a payment and think you were the victim of a scam, call 800-477-5050, and we will collect details. If you did not make a payment, file a police report with local law enforcement.
“Our work at Consumers Energy starts with safety, and that means looking out for our coworkers and the people we serve across Michigan every day,” Rich said. “We want to get the reminder out to our friends and neighbors to be careful when it comes to your personal information, and not to fall victim to scams.”
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
We're experiencing intermittent issues with customers checking and reporting outages. We're sorry for any inconvenience & ask that you try again if you receive an error message the first time.
Scammers are conning homeowners out of thousands of dollars. Find out how to protect your family.
Con artists have long preyed on utility customers by pretending to be a Consumers Energy employee in person and on the phone. They use scare tactics, threats and urgency to gain entry into your home, or trick you into surrendering credit card information, money orders, gift cards or cash.
Here’s how to spot a fake Consumers Energy worker asking to be let in to your home:
Keep in mind that there are times when we have to shut off electric or natural gas service for safety, security or non-payment. But we will never threaten to shut off service if you don’t comply with immediate demands.
In a phone con, scammers impersonate Consumers Energy workers and contact homeowners in an effort to get some fast cash. They’ll:
Put your knowledge to the test. Find out if you’re at risk to be scammed by taking the quiz below.
1. If I'm late on a bill, Consumers Energy will demand immediate payment over the phone.
2. If I don't pay my energy bill, my power could be shut off within 24 hours.
3. Consumers Energy employees will ask for my credit or debit card number over the phone.
4. If I'm falling behind on payments, I should send a wire transfer or gift card to make up the payment.
5. If my caller ID says Consumers Energy, I can feel confident sharing personal information, including my birthday, Social Security Number and banking information.
Scammers assume you don’t know how we work with our customers, especially when it comes to billing. This knowledge can keep your family safe from scams.
We never use threats. We will never threaten to shut your power off within 24 hours. If you feel pressured to let someone in your home, close and lock your doors and call 911 to report it to the police. If someone calls you and pressures you for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and contact customer service.
We never make demands. We won’t demand payment over the phone. Instead, we offer many ways to make payments safely and conveniently.
We never ask for prepaid credit cards. If a caller specifically asks you to pay by prepaid credit card or wire transfer, this is a huge warning sign. This is not a typical form of payment.
We never ask for personal information over the phone. We will not contact you by phone and ask for your account number or payment information. Sometimes con artists will attempt to trip you up by pretending to know your account number. We don’t do this either.
Identity thieves want access to your account. That’s why it’s important to take necessary precautions and safeguard your information.
How to Avoid Identity TheftEnergy theft is a crime that happens fairly often. It’s illegal and dangerous, and it can be costly if you’re not prepared.
Prevent Energy TheftSuspect a Scam?
If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer, call us at 800-477-5050.
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