The Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan is warning businesses and the public of a utilities scam.
The scam begins with a phone call to a business or customer from someone claiming to be with Consumers Energy. The script is simple, there’s an overdue bill. If it’s not paid immediately, the power will be shut off. The payment should be made by either wire transfer or a prepaid card.
Consumers Energy has seen an uptick in this deceptive tactic over the past two months with 12 victims in Kent County, seven in Allegan and five in Kalamazoo County. For the year, so far, 76 people have been scammed. The Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan says in 2019 the con artists have collected over $52,000.
Christopher Bush, Consumers Energy’s director of corporate security. “If you receive a scam call or are unsure if the call is legitimate, hang up and call Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 and contact your local law enforcement agency.”
Patrick Center, WGVU News.