Although Mother Nature has given the area and region a bit of a break from the recent run of record low temperatures, scammers who are using the tough weather to make a quick buck aren’t letting up.

According to Michigan’s new attorney general, Dana Nessel, some state residents are being called under nefarious circumstances by fuel hucksters. Nessel held a press conference in Lansing on Friday, flanked by her Consumer Protection team, to address the issue.

“Michigan energy providers and scammers should heed this warning: Those who take advantage of consumers will be held accountable. My office stands ready to protect all residents from scammers and those who seek to prey on consumers during an emergency situation,” she said in a written statement. “Utility companies never call customers requesting immediate payment to keep services from being shut off. They also don’t ask for payment by gift card, bitcoin, or money order. If consumers suspect a call to be fraudulent, they should hang up and immediately call the utility at the telephone number on their bill and ask to speak with a customer service representative.”

Nessel noted, and we wholeheartedly agree, that if consumers believe they have become a victim of retailers engaging in behavior that violates the Consumer Protection Act, they are encouraged to file a complaint at Michigan.gov/agcomplaints or call 1-877-765-8388.