LANSING, MI (WHTC) – Officials from Consumers Energy, Michigan State Police and prominent business organizations encourage Michigan business owners and residents to take steps to protect themselves from ongoing customer scams that continue across the state entering this holiday season.
Small businesses served by Consumers Energy have made at least $81,000 in payments to scammers this year, according to information the energy provider has compiled.
Typically, a caller will contact a small business, such as a store or a restaurant; pretend to be from Consumers Energy; and demand payment within an hour or two using a prepaid credit or debit card. The scam has been reported in 57 counties.
In Ottawa County Consumers Energy reports there have been 37 calls with $460 paid to scammers. In Allegan County 33 calls with $1,750 paid.
Telephone scammers may do the following:
1. Demand payment within a short time frame.
2. Threaten service will be shut off if payment is not made.
3. Insist on a specific form of payment, such as a pre-paid credit card commonly purchased at a convenience store.
4. May seek personal or account information.
5. May have an account number or what sounds like the proper bill amount
6. May “spoof” a caller’s phone, making it appear as if the call comes from Consumers Energy.
7. May provide an 800 or 888 number to call that is not legitimate.
People can arm themselves with information by contacting the following resources.
West Michigan Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/western-michigan
Eastern Michigan Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/detroit/
Small Business Association of Michigan: https://www.sbam.org/
– Mary Ellen Murphy
