Be alert for DTE Energy impersonators

Rhea-AI Summary

DTE Energy is urging media outlets to alert the public about DTE impersonators following a tragic homicide in Rochester Hills on October 11, 2024, allegedly committed by imposters posing as DTE employees. The company emphasizes the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be from DTE by asking to see a photo ID badge.

Key points for customers:

• Know your gas provider, as DTE may not supply both electricity and gas
• DTE typically contacts customers in advance for routine visits
• All DTE employees and contractors must carry and show photo ID badges when asked
• Call 800-477-4747 to confirm if unsure about a visit
• Keep doors locked while verifying identity
• For gas service, DTE employees only need to enter homes with indoor gas meters

If someone refuses to show a badge or acts suspiciously, customers are advised to call 911 immediately.

DTE encourages customers to know the red flags of impersonators and alert the police to suspicious activity

Detroit, Oct. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DTE Energy is urging all media outlets to make their audiences aware of DTE impersonators. On October 11, 2024, a homicide took place in Rochester Hills allegedly committed by imposters representing themselves as DTE employees. Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific and tragic event, and we hope the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and brought to justice.

If anyone arrives at your home or business claiming they are from DTE, please ask to see a badge with a photo ID. If the person refuses to show their badge, do not allow them entry into your home. If the person becomes agitated or acts in a strange manner, call 911 immediately.

DTE customers should keep the following information in mind when dealing with someone who identifies themselves as a DTE employee and wants to enter your home. 

• Know your gas provider. Just because DTE supplies your electricity, it does not mean they supply your gas as well. Impersonators aren’t always aware of our service territory. Please note that while DTE does not provide residential gas distribution in Rochester Hills, it does operate gas transmission pipelines in the area.
• Before DTE makes a routine visit to your home, we will make every effort to contact you in advance, either through a phone call from our call center or via email or text message.
• It is very rare that a DTE employee would need to enter your home, but it does happen. DTE will use every opportunity to make you aware of any work needing to be done at your home and if possible will contact you in advance to schedule time for the work to be completed.
• Prior to allowing a person claiming to work for DTE in your home or on your property, you should look for and do the following:
  • All DTE Electric and DTE Gas employees and contractors carry photo identification badges, and are required to show their badge when asked.
  • Customers should ask the employee why they are there and, if necessary, call 800-477-4747 to confirm before allowing entry or access to their property. Keep your door locked while you are making the call, and only speak through a locked screen door if it’s necessary to talk to the person.
  • If an employee/contractor refuses to show their badge, the customer should refuse service and call 800-477-4747 to verify whether or not DTE is scheduled to be on site or at their home.
  • In regards to gas service, the only reason a DTE employee would need to enter your home is if your gas meter is indoors. This is common in older homes.

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 company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at  dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/DTE_Energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

FAQ

What happened in Rochester Hills on October 11, 2024 involving DTE Energy impersonators?

On October 11, 2024, a homicide allegedly took place in Rochester Hills, committed by imposters representing themselves as DTE employees. This tragic event prompted DTE Energy to issue a warning about impersonators.

How can customers verify if someone claiming to be from DTE Energy (DTE) is legitimate?

Customers should ask to see a photo ID badge, which all DTE employees and contractors are required to carry and show when asked. If unsure, customers can call 800-477-4747 to confirm the visit's legitimacy.

Does DTE Energy provide gas service in Rochester Hills?

DTE does not provide residential gas distribution in Rochester Hills, but it does operate gas transmission pipelines in the area. Customers should be aware of their specific gas provider.

What should DTE Energy customers do if someone refuses to show their badge?

If someone claiming to be from DTE refuses to show their badge, customers should refuse service, keep their doors locked, and immediately call 800-477-4747 to verify the visit. If the person becomes agitated or acts suspiciously, call 911.

When would a DTE Energy employee need to enter a customer's home?

For gas service, a DTE employee would only need to enter a home if the gas meter is located indoors, which is common in older homes. DTE typically contacts customers in advance for routine visits.