(JACKSON) - Consumers Energy is alerting Michiganders to be on the lookout for scammers who have been contacting people and demanding immediate payment for bills.

Jim Beechey, Consumer Energy’s Vice President of Information Technology and Security says they know most people already are careful not to give their money and personal information to strangers, but they want to make sure they’re alert for these criminals who are persistent and determined to con people out of their earnings.

Beechey says they have been contacted by their customers who are reporting they have received phone calls and emails from scammers encouraging them to make immediate payments after being threatened with power shut-off. He says the scammers 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 received a call or e-mail and did not make a payment, you can file a police report with your local law enforcement agency..