PRESS RELEASE
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Sept 7, 2006
DeJay Bumstead - Credit & Collections Manager, Edison Sault Electric Company
- 906-632-5186
Edison
Sault Electric Company is warning customers to look out for con artists posing
as utility workers in order to gain access to personal information and property.
These con artists frequently prey upon the elderly.
A
utility in downstate
Michigan
has reported a number of customers who have received telephone calls from con
artists claiming to be utility employees, asking for payment of an outstanding
bill and threatening to shut off service if the bill is not immediately paid by
credit card or by providing specific checking account information.
Some customers unwittingly gave the callers their credit card numbers,
which were used to fraudulently purchase goods and services in several states.
“We
have not heard any reports of this scam in our service area, but nonetheless we
want our customers to be aware that there are con artists out there preying upon
individuals wherever they can find someone to take advantage of,” said DeJay
Bumstead, Edison Sault’s credit and collection manager.
“Other utilities have reported instances of con artists entering homes
on the premise that they were utility workers.
Don’t fall for any of these schemes, and if you ever have any doubts,
please call our offices or the police,” said Bumstead.
Edison Sault customers who are behind in paying their bills may receive calls from company representatives concerning payment arrangements. Bumstead recommends that such customers pull out a recent bill and request the caller to provide the account number and the amount due. If the customer suspects the call to be fraudulent, hang up and call Edison Sault toll free at 800-562-4960. If you have received a call of this nature and believe you are the victim of fraud, contact the police immediately.
Edison Sault does not accept payment by credit card and takes electronic bank payments only through local banks. Edison Sault field personnel wear company uniforms and carry photo identification badges that identify themselves as Edison Sault employees. Customers are encouraged to ask anyone posing as a utility worker in order to enter their property for identification.
***end***
