An Oxford Township senior citizen used her inquisitive nature to thwart a possible phone scam on Thursday, March 4.
The 58-year-old Oxford Twp. resident received a call around 1 p.m. and was notified by a woman, who identified herself as a representative from Consumers Energy, that she qualified for a special government funded program.
‘She stated that if we agreed to it, we could go into this program where Consumers Power would never bill us more than $30 a month, no matter how much gas or electric we used,? the resident said.
The resident was also informed that the insurance for furnace repair was also included in the program. She was also told the program was open to all seniors, regardless of income levels.
According to a news release sent out by Consumers Energy, a person claiming to be a employee indicated that as a result of the federal stimulus plan, seniors only had to pay a small sum and provide a credit card number to the caller to be enrolled in the program.
Suspicion arose from the very beginning of the conversation when the imposter on the phone stated she already had the residents address, phone number and account information.
More red flags arose when she pressed for more information about the program because this was the first time she heard about it.
‘I tried to find a number where I could call her back and she wouldn’t give me one, so I asked what about some printed material explaining the program because I have never heard about this and she said no,? she said.
The woman claimed that they were telling people about the program over the phone.
When the resident started asking more questions, the woman wanted to put an end to the conversation.
‘She wanted to get off the phone before we could get more information, like how am I going to sign up, what they need from me or is someone going to come to the house,? she said.
The woman added, ‘Oh, we are taking too long; all you have to do is say yes or no.
She told the woman on the phone that she needed to talk to her husband and to add her to the call back list.
When the resident asked about calling Consumers Energy to check the information out, the woman told her that ‘they don’t have this until we turn in your name as being on this program. Then it will show on your account with them that they only charge you $30 a month.?
By the time the phone conversation ended, the woman changed who she was working with three times in a seven-minute phone call. ‘I got from her that I’m with Consumers Power, well I’m working for Consumers Power, no I’m with the government on this program,? she said.
Once she hung up the phone, she called Consumers, who confirmed her suspicions about it being a scam.
In a official statement, Consumers Energy said that they do not offer this type of program, and does not contact customers directly to enroll them in energy bill payment programs.
She then contacted the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, who told her to contact them right away if she hears back from them.
The resident received a call back on Monday, March 8 informing her of her bill total and that she had access to her account. When pressed for an account number, the woman on the phone told her that she didn’t have the number available because she only had partial account information.
The woman then proceeded to tell the resident that if she said yes to the program, her March bill would be wiped out and replaced with a $30 charge. She also asked for a credit card to pay for new bill.
The resident fired back, saying that she knew that she was a scam and reported her to Consumers Power and the OCSD.
She then contacted this reporter to get the word out about her experience and to warn other seniors about the scam.
‘I am concerned because it sounds like a good deal,? she said. ‘Seniors, here’s the government with all this money out there and all you have to do is say yes and you are going to be able to save money every month. Obviously, it’s a scam of some sort.?
Oakland County Sheriff Lt. Larry Perry agreed with her, saying what the woman was doing should raise immediate red flags.
‘Usually a reputable company like Consumers or Edison will not contact you on the phone for a thing like that; they will send you official notification and you will contact them (to) sign up to participate in the programs,? he said.
He added that in order to be safe, never give out personal information, such as social security numbers, driver license and debit card numbers.
‘You can always ask to speak to their supervisor or have contact numbers for call backs,? Perry said.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Consumers Energy’s security office at (800)-760-3295 or the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Oxford substation at (248) 969-3077.