{"id":11987,"date":"2022-07-18T10:29:45","date_gmt":"2022-07-18T16:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/?p=11987"},"modified":"2023-06-14T09:45:36","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T15:45:36","slug":"difs-alerts-consumers-to-recurring-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/difs-alerts-consumers-to-recurring-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"DIFS Alerts Consumers to Recurring Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recurring Scam and How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Media Contact:&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>Laura Hall<\/strong>,&nbsp;(517) 290-3779,&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:DIFS-press@michigan.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DIFS-press@michigan.gov<\/a>&nbsp;<br><strong>Consumer Hotline:<\/strong>&nbsp;877-999-6442,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTguNjA5MDQ1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5NaWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvRElGU2NvbXBsYWludHMifQ.MVchDpkott2XypFt6SNg6obw7_UZNmY0lTpVEHkG3yU\/s\/290631105\/br\/141185662230-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:<\/strong>\u00a0July 18, 2022, Recurring Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers of best practices to avoid being victimized by a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTguNjA5MDQ1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvZGlmcy9uZXdzLWFuZC1vdXRyZWFjaC9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDIxLzEwLzE0L2RpZnMtaXNzdWVzLWNvbnN1bWVyLWFsZXJ0LWFib3V0LXNwb29mZWQtcGhvbmUtbnVtYmVyLXNjYW0ifQ.Ibya47hzfdOjDIJZk8cA2yUu-nOTdL2UUSg10ZkTpqw\/s\/290631105\/br\/141185662230-l\"><strong>recurring scam<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;in which impostors call consumers and identify themselves as financial institutions and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTguNjA5MDQ1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mcmVlcC5jb20vc3RvcnkvbW9uZXkvcGVyc29uYWwtZmluYW5jZS9zdXNhbi10b21wb3IvMjAyMi8wNi8zMC91dGlsaXR5LXNodXRvZmYtc2NhbS1zdG9sZS1jYXNoLXZpYS16ZWxsZS83NzE0MTM4MDAxLz91dG1fc291cmNlPWZyZWVwLURhaWx5QnJpZWZpbmcmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249ZGFpbHlfYnJpZWZpbmcmdXRtX3Rlcm09bGlzdF9hcnRpY2xlX2hlYWRsaW5lJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PVBEVEYtMTAwOEZQLUUtTkxFVFRFUjY1In0.O2u-5O3iqBT0BZO5jMyOQWIAvdEUGMI5L6T_mNRpjWs\/s\/290631105\/br\/141185662230-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">utility companies<\/a>&nbsp;requesting payments or personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt is frustrating that these criminals continue to find new ways to exploit unsuspecting residents, but DIFS is committed to providing Michiganders with resources and recommendations on how to keep their personal and financial information safe from predators,\u201d said&nbsp;<strong>DIFS Director Anita Fox<\/strong>. \u201cEven if your phone\u2019s caller ID displays a legitimate business\u2019s name, you should be wary of anyone calling you asking for payment or personal information of any kind. If you think the call might be legitimate, hang up and call the number on your billing statement or other documentation from the company before giving out any information or making a payment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One recent version of this scam involves criminals posing as DTE Energy contacting customers first via text message and then by phone call asking them to make missed payments through a website, often using cash transfer apps such as Zelle. DTE Energy has confirmed that it will never contact customers through text messaging. If you are unsure about a caller claiming to be a DTE employee, the utility recommends that you hang up and call their customer service line at&nbsp;800-477-4747.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here are the most important steps that consumers can take to avoid falling prey to Recurring Scam:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>NEVER give personal or account information to anyone calling YOU<\/strong>, even if the caller says that it is for &#8220;verification purposes.&#8221; Personal information or identity-verifying information should be provided only to organizations or companies that\u00a0you have called or initiated contact with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the person contacting you says that there is a problem that must be resolved immediately,&nbsp;hang up and call the phone number that you know will get you to someone who can be trusted with personal or account information. This could be the phone number on your debit or credit card, account statement, or on mailed correspondence from the company. Do&nbsp;NOT&nbsp;call phone numbers provided in text messages or voicemails by the person contacting you, and never reply to an unsolicited text message.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use multi-factor authentication measures in addition to a password to log into accounts, such as a security code sent via text message or email.\u00a0Do NOT provide this security code to anyone under any circumstances. Other multifactor authentication measures can include a scan of your fingerprint, retina, or face on a mobile device or a passcode via an authentication app.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Individuals who believe they are a victim of fraud should first contact their financial institution or the company that the compromised account is with to attempt to resolve the issue. If you feel the company did not appropriately handle your complaint, contact DIFS by calling\u00a0877-999-6442,\u00a0Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTguNjA5MDQ1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvRElGU2NvbXBsYWludHMifQ.vEbS8Q4pANDxNfNeyz6NUGc0nGnhbZ-R3i8f-ouB-dw\/s\/290631105\/br\/141185662230-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">completing an online complaint form<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, financial literacy, and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTguNjA5MDQ1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm1pY2hpZ2FuLmdvdi9kaWZzIn0.Ix77QxJmf_K_wZOn7a9T1q2-amQmind3HpPAdl9XZMw\/s\/290631105\/br\/141185662230-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michigan.gov\/DIFS<\/a>\u00a0or follow the Department on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTguNjA5MDQ1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vTUlESUZTLyJ9.aKou04lIhWwz8XlBBPKE4-Ip_pz4GW1ZpA9F3XIB9Q0\/s\/290631105\/br\/141185662230-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTguNjA5MDQ1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnR3aXR0ZXIuY29tL21pZGlmcyJ9.QEb9n908pcuGngEABrDya3BLqsfiJVj2OQ3ildcjZck\/s\/290631105\/br\/141185662230-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Twitter<\/a>, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lnks.gd\/l\/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MTguNjA5MDQ1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5saW5rZWRpbi5jb20vY29tcGFueS9taWNoaWdhbi1kZXBhcnRtZW50LW9mLWluc3VyYW5jZS1hbmQtZmluYW5jaWFsLXNlcnZpY2VzLyJ9.E0hYngXpDZhGRuKw4jGTLNbEUuexdUuVfdsJgFhildc\/s\/290631105\/br\/141185662230-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">####<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check out other blog articles!<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list wp-block-latest-posts\"><li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/health-insurance-for-michigan-families-managing-chronic-conditions\/\">Health Insurance for Michigan Families Managing Chronic Conditions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/how-life-insurance-can-support-long-term-care-planning-without-replacing-it\/\">How Life Insurance Can Support Long-Term Care Planning Without Replacing It<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/what-happens-if-your-vehicle-is-totaled-understanding-the-auto-insurance-claims-process\/\">What Happens If Your Vehicle Is Totaled, Understanding the Auto Insurance Claims Process<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/why-now-is-a-smart-time-for-michigan-businesses-to-review-liability-coverage-before-spring-foot-traffic-increases\/\">Why Now Is a Smart Time for Michigan Businesses to Review Liability Coverage Before Spring Foot Traffic Increases<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/snowstorms-and-roof-damage-is-your-michigan-home-covered\/\">Snowstorms and Roof Damage: Is Your Michigan Home Covered?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Avoid being victimized by a\u00a0recurring scam\u00a0in which impostors call consumers and identify themselves as financial institutions and\u00a0utility companies\u00a0requesting payments or personal information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2050,2],"tags":[2071,2070,2059,2069,2072],"class_list":["post-11987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-enews","category-shield-blog","tag-difs-alert","tag-michigan-alert","tag-press-release","tag-recurring-scam","tag-utility-companies"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11987"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13122,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11987\/revisions\/13122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}