DTE Energy and Consumer's Energy utility fraud is on the rise in Michigan and is accomplished with Caller ID spoofing technology, called Voice Over IP (VoIP) allowing scammers to victimize energy consumers over the telephone.

​The DTE Energy telephone solicitor scam continues to plague various areas across Metropolitan Detroit requiring utility consumers to be aware and protect themselves against the compulsory utility bill payment hoax.

​Initial reports of DTE and Consumers Energy utility fraud scam alerts from the energy giants and Michigan police date as far back as April 2013 and as recent as July 2018.  Imposter utility workers would primarily approach small businesses threatening immediate utility shut-offs and demanding immediate payments.

However, investigators are finding the most recent cases reported are due to new telephone app technology which has emboldened imposters in victimizing a growing number of Michigan residential energy customers.

​In the latest version of the scam, imposters are contacting energy customers via mobile phone as telephone solicitors from the utility company demanding immediate payment began to resurface the scam since the onset of the 2019 post-Holiday season.

It appears that telephone solicitation has become the preferred method of perpetrating the fraud with new app technology that allow culprits to call customers from legitimate utility company phone numbers.

Computer Calling Technology
The reemergence of DTE Energy utility scams can be credited to software technology referred to as Voice Over IP (VoIP) which is a means of Caller ID spoofing that has taken the scammer’s arsenal of deceptive tactics to another level.

Voice Over Internet Protocol, or Voice Over IP (VoIP) is a method of computer calling via broadband internet connections or private corporate networks that allow transmitters to bypass traditional telephone switchboard routes called PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

There is little to no need for special equipment or services except where adapters are required as these applications convert the caller's voice into a digital signal subverting telephone networks so that the call can be made directly from a computer or other data-driven devices.

The technology is available on Skype and other commonly known software applications.
​
In short, don’t trust your Caller ID as the callers are able to adopt the phone numbers of legitimate companies such as DTE Energy giving them credibility in alarming their victims with threats of immediate service interruption.

In other words, the success of the scam is largely due to the caller's ability to contact customers from a recognizable corporate phone number.

DTE Energy executive offices report fraudulent utility bill collections in excess of $200,000 for the 2017 winter season.

​Michigan Energy Consumer Protection Laws
As previously reported, energy consumers should be aware that utility shut-offs during the winter season are illegal in the State of Michigan.

The Michigan Legislature MCL 460.9t(7), a utility shut-off protection statute, provides that energy providers who have opted-out of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) funding plan are prohibited from terminating residential utility services for non-payment during the “crisis season” from November 1 – April 15 per each fiscal year.

Participating MEAP providers (including DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and SEMCO) are prohibited from residential utility shut-offs due to non-payment from November 1 – March 31 each fiscal year.

The 2019 fiscal year runs from October 1, 2018 – September 31, 2019.

​Tips for Avoiding the DTE Utility Fraud

• If you believe you have been fraudulently called by DTE or Consumer’s Energy, hang up and call the utility provider directly to verify the status of your account.
• DTE and Consumer’s Energy scammers will ask you to make a payment directly to them, typically requiring victims to immediately purchase a pre-paid debit card and give them the card numbers.  Remember, utility companies will not call you for payment once field technicians have been dispatched to disconnect your services.
• Utility companies do not require payment by pre-paid debit cards.
• Utility fraud perpetrators are generally demanding and intimidating trying to make you believe your services will be terminated within minutes without payment.  This is NOT a standard practice of utility companies who will provide plenty of notice and ample time for you to make your payments.
• Utility fraud perpetrators are now able to purchase your account information online through various Facebook and other social media pages.  Do Not be afraid to hang up and call your energy provider even if they have your correct account information.
• If you are victimized, contact the police and file a police report immediately.
• Call your utility provider and request a credit to your account.
• You may also contact the Michigan Public Service Commission to file a complaint if your utility provider refuses to help you.

The Community Advocate Network of Michigan has been fielding calls from residents complaining about being victimized by these scammers.

If you believe that you have victimized, I recommend that you file a police report and contact your utility provider right away.

DTE and Consumers Energy are fully aware of the problem and should be notified when your account has been compromised or if you have been forced to make fraudulent payments.  You should contact your utility provider and request a credit to your account and you may report the crime to the Michigan Public Service Commission for further assistance.

Help is available if you need assistance with paying utility bills.  Follow the links below and visit the Utility Assistance - Community Resources section for more information.


Related Posts:
Michigan Energy Assistance Programs (MEAP) FY19
michigan-energy-assistance-program-meap-fy19.html

Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Grantees Announced
​michigan-energy-assistance-program-grantees-announced.html

Links:
Utility Imposters Up Their Game with Technology
https://empoweringmichigan.com/utility-imposters-game-technology/

DTE Energy - Tips for Avoiding Utility Fraud and Utility Imposters
https://www.newlook.dteenergy.com/wps/wcm/connect/dte-web/home/problems-and-safety-landing/common/problems/problem-center

The Fair Isaac Corporation is a data analytics company that developed the FICO credit scoring system now the lending industry standard for measuring consumer credit risk.  FICO credit ranges from 300 to 850 and rankings from poor to excellent serve to help lenders assess consumer risk and determine whether to extend credit.

FICO Scores are calculated based solely on information in consumer credit reports maintained at the credit reporting agencies. You have FICO Scores for each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. In other words, each FICO Score is based on information that the credit bureau keeps on file about you.
​

CNBC is reporting on WHY you need good credit.  This is some information you might want to take seriously!!!!

43 million Americans have a 599 or lower FICO score.  So, what does this mean? The most widely used credit scores are FICO Scores, the credit scores created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. 90% of top lenders use FICO Scores to help them make billions of credit-related decisions every year. FICO Scores are calculated based solely on information in consumer credit reports maintained at the credit reporting agencies. You have FICO Scores for each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Each FICO Score is based on information that the credit bureau keeps on file about you. Your FICO score reflects your credit report, and ranges from around 300 to 850. A score below and around 650 is considered problematic, whereas an excellent score of around 750 or above will get you the best rates.

BAD CREDIT STATS
Most banks and lenders consider a bad credit score to be less than:

​“Excellent” Credit Score Range
No matter which scale is used, those whose scores are in the highest range are considered to have excellent credit and present the lowest credit risk.

An excellent credit score not only almost guarantees acceptance when applying for most types of credit, including nearly any of the top credit cards that catch your fancy, but also ensures the absolute best interest rates and the lowest fees.

​“Good” Credit Score Range 
While continuing to command competitive interest rates, those falling into the “good” range of credit scores will likely not see the ideal rates obtained by the people in higher categories. In addition, it may be harder to qualify for some types of credit.

“Fair” or “Average” Credit Score Range
Those who fall into the ranges for “fair” (sometimes called “average”) credit range may have some faults in their credit history but no major delinquencies. Many lenders will approve applicants with “fair” credit but borrowers will be unlikely to see very competitive interest rates.
 
“Poor” Credit Score Range
Applicants who fall into the range described as having “poor” credit will have a difficult time getting approved for most types of credit. If approved, these borrowers will likely see unfavorable rates and may have to meet larger down payment requirements for secured loans.
 
Here are three reasons it’s worth doing the work to get to “excellent credit” in 2019.

1. Better loan rates
2. Top credit cards
3. Lower Security Deposit

 
Next, let’s touch on Employers and Your Credit
Employers sometimes check credit to get insight into a potential hire, including signs of financial distress that might indicate risk of theft or fraud. They don’t get your credit score, but instead see a modified version of your credit report. The report will show your payment record, the amount you owe and your available credit. 

You do however have legal rights in regards to an employer checking your credit.  An employer must notify you if it intends to check your credit and must get your written permission. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the notice to be “clear and conspicuous” and not mixed in with other language.

Why would an employer look at your credit? An applicant’s credit history can flag potential problems an employer would want to avoid:

• Lots of late payments could indicate you’re not very organized and responsible, or don’t live up to agreements
• Using lots of available credit or having excessive debt are markers of financial distress, which may be viewed as increasing the likelihood of theft or fraud
• Any evidence of mishandling your own finances could indicate a poor fit for a job that involves being responsible for company money or consumer information

 
Lastly, think about it - if more Americans are getting lower interest rates & saving money, then billion dollar companies are not going to be making money.

BANKS MAKE MONEY OFF YOUR BAD CREDIT!!!! 

​My commitment is to help people improve their score and empower them financially. Your credit will not fix it self. Invest in yourself and start restoring your credit today!

​Related Posts:
18 Illegal Questions for Employers to Ask
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/what-questions-can-employers-not-ask
The Power of Credit and Financial Freedom
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/power-of-credit-and-financial-freedom
Common Myths About Credit
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/common-myths-about-credit