What: In the wake of recent incidents reported in two metro Detroit communities, DTE Energy is encouraging customers to be vigilant community members by looking out for 'utility imposters.' Customers in the Eastpointe area and Monroe area were approached by people claiming to be utility workers, with the intent of gaining access to homes. Customers should not let any unidentified personnel into their homes. Michigan law helps protect DTE Energy customers against scam artists by making it a felony to impersonate utility workers.

Protect yourself and your family from becoming victims by following these tips:

At the Door

Ask for identification. All DTE Electric and DTE Gas employees and contractors carry photo identification badges, and are required to display their badge if asked. If you are unsure about an employee's identification, or want to verify the nature of the work to be done at your home, call us at 800.477.4747.

Do not allow people into your home who:


    --  Claim to offer a DTE Electric or DTE Gas refund. Our employees never
        deliver cash refunds or rebates to customers' homes.
    --  Claim to sell DTE Electric or DTE Gas products or services. DTE
        employees do not engage in door-to-door sales.
    --  Attempt to collect a bill payment. DTE does not collect or accept
        utility bill payments at customers' homes or businesses.

DTE encourages customers to call the police if you believe the person at your door is a con artist posing as a utility worker.

On the Phone


    --  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.

On the Web


    --  The web is increasingly being used to commit fraud and identity theft.
        Scammers use e-mail, text messaging and social media sites, such as
        Facebook and Twitter.
    --  Never give out personal information, including Social Security, bank
        account or credit card numbers over the Internet to someone you do not
        know.
    --  If you suspect you have been fraudulently contacted, call us at
        800.477.4747 to speak with a customer service representative who can
        confirm the status of your account and make appropriate arrangements for
        payment, if needed.

If you believe you are the victim of an online scam, contact your local police immediately.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
DTE Corporate Security Director Michael Lynch will be available for interview to further discuss safety tips and what consumers need to know to stay safe.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

For further information, members of the media may contact:
 Stephanie Beres, DTE Energy, 313.235.5555

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20140924/148236

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140924/148236

/PRNewswire -- Feb. 9, 2016/

SOURCE DTE Energy