Scammers are getting bolder, and lately they’re impersonating DTE to trick job seekers. Our HR Talent Acquisition and Corporate Security teams have surfaced several fake “employment” schemes that use real DTE executive names, forged signatures and our company logo to look convincing. Some applicants have believed the offers were real – and it’s cost them.
What’s happening
The scam typically starts with a message about a remote role like customer service representative or data entry clerk, often pointing applicants to a chat-based “interview” – but the job isn’t real. After a quick back-and-forth, the “recruiter” extends a job offer, then mails the new-hire a check to buy startup equipment. The victim is told to deposit the check and quickly send money – via Zelle, gift cards or by purchasing laptops and phones – to a “vendor.” Once the check clears as counterfeit, the funds are pulled back – and the person is stuck covering the loss.
Red flags to watch for
- A job offer with no real interview or one conducted only by chat or text.
- A check sent before you start, with instructions to buy equipment or send money to a “vendor.”
- Requests for payment through Zelle, gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
- Pressure to act fast – “buy it today, ship it overnight.”
- Requests for personal or banking details, Social Security numbers or photos of your ID early on.
- Off-brand email addresses (personal Gmail or lookalike domains instead of @dteenergy.com).
Share this with family and friends, who often turn to us first with questions.
How to keep your information safe
- Check the visibility settings on your personal social media profiles so scammers can’t harvest your details or pose as your connections.
- Verify every DTE job at careers.dteenergy.com – real openings live there.
- Never pay to get a job. DTE will never ask you to buy equipment or send money as part of hiring.
- Guard your personal data – don’t share your SSN, bank info or ID with an unverified “recruiter.”
If you spot a scam using DTE’s name, report it to our Security Control Center at 313.235.9113 so it can be investigated. Share this with your friends and neighbors – DTE is a great place to work, and we want the right people to find the real jobs.