The Michigan Attorney General’s Office is warning about yet another scam, this one related to DTE Energy.

DTE Energy reported it recently became aware of customers receiving calls from someone claiming to be a DTE employee. The scammer requests immediate payment by bitcoin or preloaded money card to avoid power being shut off. When a return call was made to the number shown on the customer’s caller ID, the customer was greeted by a convincing spoof of a DTE employee who would appear to help the customer avoid a shutoff. In fact, that impersonator then would take advantage of the customer by getting personal information and/or cash.

While consumers are targeted by utility imposter scams every day, this year is worse as a result of COVID-19. Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to recognize potential bad actors posing as utility workers, whether it be in-person, by phone, text or online.

“Some bad actors are using the ongoing pandemic to their full advantage to scam Michigan residents,” Nessel said. “It’s important to remember that utility companies will never call, email, or show up unannounced to demand payment or threaten shutoff. Don’t give in to the bullying or threats of a scammer — call your utility company directly from a phone number available on their website or listed on your utility bill.”

Scammers can be convincing and often target the most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income families. With so many struggling during the pandemic, all utility customers should learn to detect and report these predatory scams.

DTE Energy and other utility companies will never–

— Solicit personal information for a government program that claims to reduce energy bills;

— Visit your home to collect a bill or threaten shutoff;

— Show up unannounced at a customer’s home to inspect or repair equipment, investigate a leak or do a free audit for energy efficiency;

— Request immediate payment, instructing customer to purchase a prepaid debit card or any form of unusual payment;

— Request personal or financial information, such as Social Security number, utility account number or payment information;

— Claim a customer is entitled to a refund or rebate asking for bank account or credit card information to make the alleged refund;

— Use aggressive tactics to get into a customer’s home.

Those who suspect they have been contacted by an imposter should call 800-477-4747 to speak to a customer representative who can confirm the status of the account.

A complaint also can be filed online with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team or by calling 877-765-8388.