DTE Energy Warns Customers to Look Out for Con Artists Posing as Utility Workers

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Apr 21, 2010, 03:15 ET

DETROIT, April 21 /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 senior citizens.

"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 chief security officer. "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, they are impostors and you should call the police immediately."

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.