Contact: Kelly Rossman-McKinney 517-355-7666Agency: Attorney General
November 18, 2019
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today urged residents to know the signs of fraud during Utility Scam Awareness Week, November 17-23.
"Raising awareness and educating customers about scams is one of my top priorities," Nessel said. "Utility Scam Awareness Week is a great opportunity to help spread awareness about suspicious behaviors and the tactics scammers use to target utility customers."
Many electric, water and natural gas customers throughout the country — including Michigan — are being targeted by impostor utility scams every day. Scammers typically use phone, in-person, and online tactics to target customers.
"It is important that customers call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts if they are ever unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker, or if they suspect any fraudulent activity," said Nessel.
The MPSC, which regulates energy utilities and telecommunications, receives a significant number of complaints each year from customers who've been the victim of utility scams.
More on Michimich.com
"We ask utility customers to be mindful when they receive these calls," said MPSC Chairman Sally Talberg. "It can be even more confusing when scammers use technology to falsify caller ID to make it appear the call is coming from a utility company. If you suspect a fraudulent call, hang up and call your utility right away."
Utility companies never call customers and demand immediate payment to keep services from being shut off in a matter of hours. And utility companies do not use deceptive tactics to try to get inside your home. Real employees always wear company identification badges. Utility companies also will NOT:
Utilities United Against Scams – a consortium of more than 100 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities, and their trade associations — sponsors this week-long awareness campaign and offers consumers a comprehensive Consumers Guide to Imposter Utility Scams.
More on Michimich.com
If you've mistakenly provided bank account or credit card information to someone you suspect might have been an impostor, call your bank or credit card company immediately. If you have a complaint or believe you are the victim of a utility scam, report it online to the Michigan Public Service Commission or call 800-292-9555. You may also file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team.
November 18, 2019
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today urged residents to know the signs of fraud during Utility Scam Awareness Week, November 17-23.
"Raising awareness and educating customers about scams is one of my top priorities," Nessel said. "Utility Scam Awareness Week is a great opportunity to help spread awareness about suspicious behaviors and the tactics scammers use to target utility customers."
Many electric, water and natural gas customers throughout the country — including Michigan — are being targeted by impostor utility scams every day. Scammers typically use phone, in-person, and online tactics to target customers.
"It is important that customers call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts if they are ever unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker, or if they suspect any fraudulent activity," said Nessel.
The MPSC, which regulates energy utilities and telecommunications, receives a significant number of complaints each year from customers who've been the victim of utility scams.
More on Michimich.com
- Upcycle Pop returns with its Sustainable Holiday Event. Art Exhibits, Performances and a Fashion Show
- Royal Portrush, Omni Barton Creek, Golf Rivals, Adidas, and Great Waters announced as winners of Golf Aficionado Magazine Best of 2019 Awards
- Let the best local modular kitchen manufacturer in Kolkata make a kitchen for you
- BiKi.com Receives Investment for Platform Upgrade to Prepare for Global Industry Growth
- WebSatchel makes mobile breakthrough
"We ask utility customers to be mindful when they receive these calls," said MPSC Chairman Sally Talberg. "It can be even more confusing when scammers use technology to falsify caller ID to make it appear the call is coming from a utility company. If you suspect a fraudulent call, hang up and call your utility right away."
Utility companies never call customers and demand immediate payment to keep services from being shut off in a matter of hours. And utility companies do not use deceptive tactics to try to get inside your home. Real employees always wear company identification badges. Utility companies also will NOT:
- Require a prepaid debit card or gift card for payments. Collect payment at a customer's home or business. Call, text or email and ask for social security, bank account or credit card information.
Utilities United Against Scams – a consortium of more than 100 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities, and their trade associations — sponsors this week-long awareness campaign and offers consumers a comprehensive Consumers Guide to Imposter Utility Scams.
More on Michimich.com
- Michigan: I-94 lane closure between Elm Avenue and West Avenue in Jackson begin Wednesday
- Michigan: Nessel Urges FTC to Strengthen Online Protections for Children
- MDHHS prepares Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries for work requirements with new letters outlining steps for compliance; Enrollees can report work activities online or via toll-free number
- NASA Awards PADT, Arizona State University and Kennesaw State University a $755,000 Phase II STTR Research Grant
- Gatski Commercial Names David Bauman managing director of property management
If you've mistakenly provided bank account or credit card information to someone you suspect might have been an impostor, call your bank or credit card company immediately. If you have a complaint or believe you are the victim of a utility scam, report it online to the Michigan Public Service Commission or call 800-292-9555. You may also file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team.
0 Comments
Latest on Michimich.com
- Michigan: MPSC approves $19.9M rate increase for SEMCO Energy Gas Co.
- Michigan: Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags in Observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- Michigan: MI AG Nessel Charges Former Credit Union Teller with Embezzlement from Elderly Customer
- More than 11,000 blind, visually impaired Michiganders receive services over 50-year span
- Michigan: Gov. Whitmer Files Brief in Supreme Court Regarding State Funding of Nonpublic Schools
- Michigan: Community Engagement Advisory Committee for Benton Harbor Area Schools Holding Outreach Meetings
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces new initiative aimed at job training for Michigan vets during two-day Silicon Valley mission
- Michigan: Marijuana Regulatory Agency to Hold Public Meeting in Flint on Monday
- Michigan: Roundabout at Blair Townhall Road added to 2021 M-37 center left-turn lane project
- CEO Coaching International Congratulates Client Synlio on Sale to Boston-Based Building Engines
- Sprawling New Novel, WE OF THE FORSAKEN WORLD, Tackles Themes of Global Connection
- QuiAri Promotes Brad Stewart To Director Of Field Development
- Pilot Trading Expands Its Suite of Broker Integrations by going Live with TradeStation
- Debut Author Karen Wolff's THE GREEN YEARS Is a Compelling Post-WWI Coming-of-age Story
- Right Cars Vehicle Rental announce the appointment of Alison Lee as Customer Service Director
- The Azores - the world's first certified archipelago
- Number of renewable energy installations up by 57% in Michigan in 2018
- Michigan: Strampel Permanently Surrenders License to Practice Medicine; Ordered to Pay $35,000 Fine
- CopyLady Earns ENX Magazine Elite Dealer of the Year Award
- The Macomb Group Expands Into South Carolina