Consumers Energy warns about scammers

Company does not ask for credit card information over the phone.

Consumers Energy is alerting customers to be on the lookout of scammers who have been contacting people and demanding immediate payment with a bogus threat that their service will be shut off.

Consumers Energy said customers this week have reported receiving phone calls and emails from scammers who encourage them to make immediate payments after being threatened with power shut-off. They are spoofing company phone numbers, telling the caller they need to pay a balance immediately, and insisting on using prepaid debit cards or gift cards to make payment.

If you have made a payment and think you were the victim of a scam, call (800) 477-5050, and Consumers Energy will collect details. If you did not make a payment, file a police report with local law enforcement.

Consumers offered the following advice for people to protect themselves:

  • Consumers Energy does not demand specific methods to pay bills, such as prepaid debit cards. Go to ConsumersEnergy.com/waystopay to see how you can pay your bill.
  • Consumers Energy never asks for your credit card information over the phone and instead will transfer you to a secure system for payments.
  • Call Consumers Energy’s toll-free number, (800) 477-5050, or go to ConsumersEnergy.com .
  • If someone is asking for personal information and says they’re from Consumers Energy, hang up and call (800) 477-5050.