By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
ALLEN PARK — A con artist claiming a resident’s DTE utility service was in danger of being cut off on Jan. 28 tricked a man into paying $377 using the Zelle cash application.
The victim said the caller claimed that his payment was past due. After the resident made an initial payment using the Zelle app, the caller claimed the total amount did not transfer, and told the man to purchase a MoneyPak Green Dot gift card for $93, which aroused the resident’s suspicion.
After calling a DTE customer service line, he discovered that he had been swindled.
If a caller demands immediate payment, a prepaid gift card, or the use of an online app, consumers are advised to hang up immediately.