Following the recent Utility Scam Awareness Day, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging consumers to remain vigilant. Her warning comes in response to a growing number of utility imposters—scammers who deceitfully pose as utility company employees in order to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting individuals. “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 in a release from the Attorney General's office. These words of caution serve to help customers detect and protect against these predatory scams.
Scammers use a range of tactics to steal money or personal information. They may demand immediate payment, often insisting on unconventional methods such as cryptocurrency or wire transfers. However, Nessel emphasized that legitimate utility companies will never ask for payment in such forms. "Remember, utility companies will never demand immediate payment in person or over the phone," said Nessel in a statement obtained by the Attorney General's office.
Additionally, Attorney General Nessel detailed various red flags that might indicate fraudulent intent. Unsolicited visits claiming to audit for energy efficiency, demands for personal information to sign up for phony government programs, and aggressive tactics used to enter homes are all suspect. Consumers are advised to safeguard their personal information, especially in unexpected encounters, and are encouraged to reach out to their utility provider through official channels should they need to verify the legitimacy of any claim.
For those who suspect that they've been approached by an impostor, Nessel suggests contacting the Michigan Public Service Commission at 800-292-9555 or reporting it online. And for consumers who have already been caught, Nessel implores them to urgently contact their bank or credit card company. Resources such as the comprehensive Consumer Guide to Imposter Utility Scams offer further assistance to those seeking to strengthen their defenses against such deceptions.
The efforts of Utilities United Against Scams align with this message, as they work to present a unified approach to combat and raise awareness about impostor utility scams. In partnership with utility services and trade associations, they create initiatives aimed at educating and protecting customers from these fraudulent schemes. For more information or to file a complaint, the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team is available, with contact information and an online complaint form accessible on the AG's official website.
