The company is urging customers to be cautious as scammers spoof phone numbers and demand payment with gift cards or prepaid debit cards.
MICHIGAN, USA — Consumers Energy is warning customers to be on alert after reports of scammers posing as company representatives and threatening to shut off service unless immediate payment is made.
This week, customers have reported receiving phone calls and emails demanding money. Scammers are spoofing company phone numbers and insisting payments be made with prepaid debit cards or gift cards, officials said.
“We know most people already are careful not to give their money and personal information to strangers, but we want to make sure they’re alert for these criminals who are persistent and determined to con people out of their earnings,” said Jim Beechey, Consumers Energy’s vice president of information technology and security. “Consumers Energy looks out for the people we serve. We want to build awareness and encourage people to make sure they’re dealing legitimately with us and protecting their security and personal information.”
The company said it never demands payment by specific methods such as gift cards. Customers are also not asked for credit card information over the phone. Instead, they are directed to a secure payment system.
Beechey urged anyone who receives a suspicious call or email to hang up and contact Consumers Energy directly at 800-477-5050 or visit ConsumersEnergy.com.
If a payment was made and you believe you were scammed, call 800-477-5050 to report the details. If no payment was made, Consumers Energy advises filing a police report with local law enforcement.
