DTE Scam Attempted in Grosse Pointe Woods

Grosse Pointe Woods police are investigating a report by a business owner who may have been the victim of a potential electric bill scam.

The business owner stated that she received a call from at her business in Grosse Pointe Woods from someone who she thought was a DTE employee. The caller ID showed it was a DTE service number, and the caller stated the power was going to be turned off at her business for failure to make a a payment. 

The business owner stated that all her payments are up to date, and her bank statement reflected her status. She refused to send a payment, but did fax a copy of her bank statement and a copy of her check from her last payment. 

According to a police report, she felt the situation was suspicious and contacted DTE. A representative from the company stated there is a scam where "unknown suspects" are posing as DTE staff and defrauding money from customers.

The business owner alerted her bank of the situation, and DTE has shared on its website the following information about the scam:

• Ask for identification
  Pull out your most recent DTE Energy bill and ask the caller to tell you the account number and the amount due.
• If you have caller I.D., the display will indicate that the call is from DTE Energy.
• If you suspect the call may be fraudulent, hang up and call us toll-free at 800.477.4747. Ask to be connected to a customer service representative who can confirm the status of your account and make appropriate arrangements for payment, if needed.
• If you have received a call of this nature and believe you are the victim of fraud, contact your local police immediately.