Consumers Energy Alerts Customers to Be on Guard Against New Scam that Demands Immediate Payment

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Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) has issued an urgent warning to Michigan customers about an ongoing scam targeting their service users. The company reports that scammers are making phone calls and sending emails demanding immediate payments while threatening service disconnection. Jim Beechey, the company's vice president of IT and security, emphasized that these criminals are using sophisticated tactics including spoofing company phone numbers and requesting payments through prepaid debit or gift cards.

The utility provider, which serves 6.8 million residents across Michigan's Lower Peninsula, advises customers to verify all payment requests through their official channels and never share credit card information over the phone. Affected customers who have made payments to potential scammers are urged to contact Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.

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JACKSON, Mich., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is alerting Michiganders to be on the lookout of scammers who this week have been contacting people and demanding immediate payment with a bogus threat that their service will be shut off.

"We know most people already are careful not to give their money and personal information to strangers, but we want to make sure they're alert for these criminals who are persistent and determined to con people out of their earnings," said Jim Beechey, Consumers Energy's vice president of information technology and security.

"Consumers Energy looks out for the people we serve. We want to build awareness and encourage people to make sure they're dealing legitimately with us and protecting their security and personal information."

Consumers Energy said customers this week are reporting receiving phone calls and emails from scammers who encourage them to make immediate payments after being threatened with power shut-off. They are spoofing company phone numbers, telling the caller they need to pay a balance immediately, and insisting on using prepaid debit cards or gift cards to make payment.

If you have made a payment and think you were the victim of a scam, call 800-477-5050, and Consumers Energy will collect details. If you did not make a payment, file a police report with local law enforcement.

Beechey offered the following advice for people to protect themselves:

• Consumers Energy does not demand specific methods to pay bills, such as prepaid debit cards. Go to ConsumersEnergy.com/waystopay to see how you can pay your bill.
• Consumers Energy never asks for your credit card information over the phone, and instead will transfer you to a secure system for payments.
• Call Consumers Energy's toll-free number, 800-477-5050, or go to ConsumersEnergy.com if you need to interact with us.
• If someone is asking for personal information and says they're from Consumers Energy, hang up and call 800-477-5050.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We are committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. 

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

 

FAQ

What is the new scam targeting Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) customers in 2025?

Scammers are making calls and sending emails demanding immediate payments with threats of service disconnection, using spoofed company phone numbers and requesting payments through prepaid debit or gift cards.

How can Consumers Energy customers verify if a payment request is legitimate?

Customers should call Consumers Energy's official toll-free number (800-477-5050) or visit ConsumersEnergy.com to verify legitimate payment requests. The company never demands specific payment methods or asks for credit card information over the phone.

What should Consumers Energy customers do if they've fallen victim to the 2025 payment scam?

Victims who have made payments should immediately call 800-477-5050 to report the incident to Consumers Energy. Those who haven't made payments should file a police report with local law enforcement.

How many customers does Consumers Energy serve in Michigan?

Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties, providing natural gas and/or electricity services.

What are the official payment methods accepted by Consumers Energy?

Consumers Energy offers multiple legitimate payment options that can be viewed at ConsumersEnergy.com/waystopay. The company does not demand specific payment methods such as prepaid debit cards.