Verify In-Person Visits and Lookout for New Technology Scams
For in-person visits from Consumers Energy and associated contractors: Always ask to see their badge. You can call us at 800-760-3295 to confirm any visitor claiming to work on behalf of Consumers Energy.
Scammers Spoofs and Tricks: Scammers can make things look like us — including caller ID, emails and websites. Watch out for misleading top search results in your browser and digital ads. Some customers have inadvertently contacted scammers after going online to search for the company’s phone number. Always double check a source before taking immediate action. If someone is asking for personal information and says they’re from Consumers Energy, hang up and call 800-477-5050.
Scammers are conning business owners out of thousands of dollars. Find out how to protect your business.
Protect Your Business from Scams
Spot the Scam
1. If I'm late on a bill, Consumers Energy will demand immediate payment over the phone.
True
False
2. If I don't pay my energy bill, my power could be shut off within 24 hours.
True
False
3. Consumers Energy employees will ask for my credit or debit card number over the phone.
True
False
4. If I'm falling behind on payments, I should send a wire transfer or gift card to make up the payment.
True
False
5. If my caller ID says Consumers Energy, I can feel confident sharing personal information, including my birthday, Social Security Number and banking information.
In a new scam, con artists are using threats and urgency to steal thousands of dollars a year from business owners.
Here’s how:
Someone claiming to be a Consumers Energy worker contacts a business by phone
Scammer informs the business owner that he or she is late on an energy payment or past-due on a bill
The individual notifies the business owner that a Consumers Energy truck is on its way to shut off power within 24 hours if a payment isn’t made
Scammer then walks customer through an online money transfer or instructs them to go to their nearest convenience store to purchase a prepaid gift card or send money via wire transfer
How To Stop a Scam
The best way to protect your business from a utility scam is to know a little about how we operate. If someone calls your business using any of the tactics below, hang up and contact the police.
We never use threats. We will never threaten to shut your power off within 24 hours. If you feel pressured 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.
Scammer Got Your Number?
If you think you've been contacted by a scammer, call us at 800-477-5050.
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