Imposter Consumers Energy employees targeting Mount Pleasant residents for personal information

Imposter employees of Consumers Energy are attempting to solicit personal information from Mount Pleasant residents.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department received a complaint yesterday from WestPoint Village, 2222 S. Crawford Road., stating four to five males wearing red polo shirts were going door-to-door asking residents for personal information.

The imposters were also spotted in West Campus Village, 1110 W. Campus Drive.

“They were trying to get personal information like drivers’ license numbers, date of birth, social security numbers,” said MPPD Public Information Officer Dave Sabuda. “All the things to commit fraudulent activity, like identity theft.”

The imposters were wearing red shirts with what appeared to be a Consumers Energy logo on it, Sabuda said. The scheme did not work on any residents who filed complaints with the MPPD.

“Sometimes there’ll be an individual who doesn’t know they’ve been schemed, and don’t find out until later,” Sabuda said.

The fake employees could also distract the owner of the home with questions while their partners search the house for money and other things to steal.

“In some cases, it’s pretty obvious they have inside information,” said Consumers Energy Spokesman Terry DeDoes. “Some cases, they’re just playing the numbers game.”

All Consumers Energy employees are required to have photo identification and will provide it if asked. If residents are suspicious of the employees or have not requested any work, residents should not allow them in. Residents should also never pay for work they have not requested.

“We do not solicit door to door for any of our programs,” said Consumers Energy Spokeswoman Mary Gust.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the MPPD at 779-5100. To verify the identity of a Consumers Energy employee, call 800-477-5050.