DETROIT – Scams where callers pretend to be from utility companies are on the rise, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission.
The Commission issued a warning to consumers this week about callers who say they are with utility companies and demand immediate payment, often in the form of gift cards or Bitcoin. Some scam calls even show that they are coming from a utility company through deliberate caller ID falsification called spoofing.
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The MPSC said utility companies won’t use “bullying tactics” when calling customers and won’t demand immediate payment to keep services from being turned off in hours.
The Commission said utility companies don’t require a prepaid debit card, gift card, Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency for payments; don’t collect payments at a customer’s home or business; and won’t ask for Social Security numbers, bank account information or credit card numbers by phone.
In addition to phone scams, customers are reminded that legitimate workers with utility companies won’t coercive residents into letting them into their homes. Also, workers always wear a company ID.
Utility customers who have given bank account information to someone they think may have been an impostor should call their bank and local police department.
A complaint can be filed with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at www.michigan.gov/AG and the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.