February 18, 2010
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News: Scams; Recognize, Report, Stop
The Consumers Energy Company in Midland, Michigan sent out a warning to residents reporting a phone scam. The company reported that individuals posing as the company’s employees are calling people trying to get their credit card information. The company has received at least five complaints from customers who said someone contacted them saying that as a result of a federal stimulus plan; senior citizens would receive a reduced rate on their utility bill. The customers were told that they had to provide their credit card numbers in order to qualify for the discount. Consumer Energy wants their customers to know that no such program exists and the company never contacts customers directly to enroll them in any programs. If you should receive a call from any individual identifying himself as a Consumer Energy employee and asking you for personal or credit card information, you should reported the call to the local authorities and contact Consumers Energy immediately.
Port Angeles, Washington authorities are warning local residents about another telephone credit card scam where callers are impersonating bank employees. Several residents have received calls from individuals impersonating bank employees and saying their credit card account activity indicates fraudulent activity. The caller asks the individuals for their card information. Banks want to make it very clear that the calls are thieves attempting to lure individuals in turning over information to be used for fraudulent purposes. Banks and credit unions advise you to immediately hang up if you should receive one of these calls and immediately contact your financial institution.
Authorities advise that if you receive any call from anyone asking for credit card or bank account information, you should hang up immediately. According to RCMP Cpl. Louis Robertson of Phone Buster, an anti-fraud agency in Canada that targets scam artists says the best way to fight fraud is to recognize scams and report them to the authorities. He says when you are asked to give any personal information including birth date or name, you should just hang up.