DETROIT, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy's Detroit Edison and MichCon subsidiaries are warning customers to look out for con artists posing as utility workers in order to gain access to personal information and property. These impostors frequently prey upon the elderly. In recent weeks, a number of customers have received telephone calls from con artists claiming to be DTE Energy employees, asking for payment of an outstanding bill and threatening to shut off service if it's not immediately paid by credit card or by providing specific checking account information. Some customers unwittingly gave the callers their credit card numbers, which were later used to fraudulently purchase goods and services in several states. "Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people out there who may pose as Detroit Edison and MichCon employees to take advantage of our customers," said Michael Lynch, DTE Energy's director of corporate security. "We urge customers to be cautious to avoid becoming a victim of these criminals." DTE Energy customers whose accounts are in arrears and are in jeopardy of service shut-off do sometimes receive calls from DTE Energy representatives who offer them the option of paying their bill over the phone with a credit card. However, such calls are made only to customers whose accounts are significantly overdue. Collection calls are never made to customers whose accounts are current. How can customers be sure they're speaking with a legitimate DTE Energy employee and not a con artist? Lynch offered these suggestions: * Pull out your most current DTE Energy bill. Insist that the caller tell you the account number and amount due. * If you suspect the call may be fraudulent, hang up and call DTE Energy toll-free at (800) 477-4747. Ask to be connected to a customer service representative who can confirm the status of your account and make appropriate arrangements for payment, if needed. * If you have caller I.D., the display will indicate that the call is from DTE Energy. * If you have received a call of this nature and believe you are the victim of fraud, contact your local police immediately. In addition to the telephone scam, Lynch said customers should be aware of a similar con in which thieves posing as utility employees appear at customers' homes demanding bill payment on the spot. Sometimes these thieves will work in pairs. One will distract the homeowner while the other searches the house for money and other valuables. DTE Energy does not collect or accept utility bill payments at customer homes or businesses. DTE Energy field employees carry photo identification badges that identify them as DTE Energy employees. Customers who are not sure about an employee's identification, or who want to verify the nature of the work to be done at their homes, should call DTE Energy at (800) 477-4747. "We want customers to know that if they have any questions about someone claiming to represent Detroit Edison or MichCon, they can call us for verification before they open their doors or provide information of any kind," said Lynch. It is a felony for people to impersonate public utility workers, whether or not they actually gain entrance to a home and commit a crime. Lynch said customers should keep these additional tips in mind to avoid becoming a victim: * All Detroit Edison and MichCon employees and contractors carry photo identification badges, and are required to display their badge if asked. Customers are encouraged to ask for identification. * Do not allow people into your home who claim to offer a Detroit Edison or MichCon refund. DTE Energy employees never deliver cash refunds or rebates to customers' homes. * Do not pay for tree-trimming work by individuals claiming to be from Detroit Edison or a Detroit Edison contractor. The utility does not charge for line clearance work. Additionally, before tree-trimming crews enter a neighborhood for scheduled line clearance work, customers are notified about the work to be done. * Call the police if you believe the person at your door is a con artist posing as a utility worker. DATASOURCE: DTE Energy CONTACT: Eileen Dixon, +1-313-235-9154, or Lorie Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, both of DTE Energy Web site: http://www.dteenergy.com/

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