DTE Energy Warns Customers to Look Out for Con Artists Posing as Utility Workers
26 April 2006 - 5:31AM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, April 25 /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 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. * 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: Members of the media, for further information:
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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