DTE Energy Warns Customers to Look Out for Con Artists Posing as Utility Workers
May 20 2008 - 12:40PM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy and its Detroit Edison
and MichCon subsidiaries are warning customers to look out for con
artists posing as utility workers in order to gain access to homes
and personal property. These impostors frequently strike in the
spring as the weather warms up. They often prey upon the elderly.
"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 prevent
these criminals from entering their homes." One common scam
involves thieves posing as utility employees, asking the homeowner
for payment of an outstanding bill and threatening to shut off
service if it's not paid on the spot. Sometimes these thieves work
in pairs. One will distract the homeowner while the other searches
the house for money and other valuables. "DTE Energy employees
never collect money from customers at their homes or businesses,"
said Lynch. "If someone comes to your door claiming to be a DTE
Energy employee and asks for payment, call the police." 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," 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 the
following 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. DTE Energy employees also NEVER
collect money from customers at their 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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