New scams

[Homicidalheathen]

1) we use online bill pay and order things online allot. So Klaus gets this email saying he owes for a utility we don't use or have. If he had not been paying attention.....well, it looks legit but we don't owe them anything.

2) I just got a call. 'This is your electric company' Not this is DTE. You are behind on your sevice bill. Please submit to retain service now. (connects to other machanical voice) Use check or credit card press 1 for check 2 for card. So I press 2. It says I need your zip and phone number. I give it. Put on hold. Then it comes in after the recording has already started and says Now put in your credit card number. I think for a minute. Hmmm Have not done the budget lately but I am not that far behind......no notice in the mail.....so I hang up.

I think it was a shame so beware.

[Gothmama25]

1) we use online bill pay and order things online allot.  So Klaus gets this email saying he owes for a utility we don't use or have.  If he had not been paying attention.....well, it looks legit but we don't owe them anything.

2) I just got a call.  'This is your electric company' Not this is DTE.  You are behind on your sevice bill.  Please submit to retain service now.  (connects to other machanical voice) Use check or credit card press 1 for check 2 for card.  So I press 2.  It says I need your zip and phone number.  I give it.  Put on hold.  Then it comes in after the recording has already started and says Now put in your credit card number.  I think for a minute.  Hmmm Have not done the budget lately but I am not that far behind......no notice in the mail.....so I hang up.

I think it was a shame so beware.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanx for the warning.

[Marblez]

1) we use online bill pay and order things online allot.  So Klaus gets this email saying he owes for a utility we don't use or have.  If he had not been paying attention.....well, it looks legit but we don't owe them anything.

2) I just got a call.  'This is your electric company' Not this is DTE.  You are behind on your sevice bill.  Please submit to retain service now.  (connects to other machanical voice) Use check or credit card press 1 for check 2 for card.  So I press 2.  It says I need your zip and phone number.  I give it.  Put on hold.  Then it comes in after the recording has already started and says Now put in your credit card number.  I think for a minute.  Hmmm Have not done the budget lately but I am not that far behind......no notice in the mail.....so I hang up.

I think it was a shame so beware.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have gotten calls from DTE where they announce themselves as "your electric company". I think that is the way their collection department (or outside collectors) have to say it to get people's attention or for legal purposes. Definitely though, it could be a scam, easily. They say you should never give that info on an incoming call. Tell them that you will have it taken care of immediately and that you will call their main customer service/billing line and will be directed appropriately. If your balance is not out of line as the caller stated, immediately report the call to the police.