LANSING, MI (WHTC) – Consumers Energy is warning customers about a scam involving utility payments over the phone using a prepaid credit card.
982 potential scam complaints were reported to Consumers Energy through September 8 with a total of 46 payments totaling more than $58,000. Business and residential customers in the Genesee and Saginaw County areas have been heavily targeted and the scams move from city to city.
The calls threaten to shut off service if immediate payments aren’t made on accounts using a Green Dot or other prepaid card.
Consumers Energy says they never demand payment using only a pre-paid credit card and that customers should never give out personal information or money over the phone to anyone they do not know. A variety of payment options are available for customers.
If you have been a victim of this scam call Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050.