Email Scam Claims Recipients Have Outstanding GFL Bill
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 17, 2025)
Oakland County, MI – Authorities in at least two communities have warned the public about a scam involving emails that claim recipients have outstanding balances with Green for Life Environmental (GFL) for waste management.
Bloomfield Township and Rochester Hills have both shared information about the scam.
According to a press release, “Bloomfield Township Department of Public Works (DPW) needs residents to be aware of a new scam tied to thieves demanding outstanding payment for services provided by Green for Life Environmental (GFL). These scammers will attempt to establish contact via text or email with the subject, “Avoid Late Payment.”
GFL has not provided any services for Township residents since their contract was discontinued in June of 2023. GFL sold most of its residential accounts in metro Detroit last year to Priority Waste. Any requests for payment from GFL should immediately be flagged as suspicious and likely a scam. Another sign is the amount will be significantly high, starting at $500 ranging as high as $2,000, to make it seem as though you are paying an overdue amount. Do not open any email correspondence from GFL or respond to text messages, and more importantly, do not click on any subsequent link, specifically, “Pay My Bill.”
Community Relations Officer Heather Glowacz states that the use of urgency is another mark of a scam. “These scammers will be pushy and demand instant action, or else. That’s a sure sign someone is trying to scam you.”
Bloomfield Township Department of Public Works (DPW) comprises several divisions. These are the Road Division, Water & Sewer Division, Grounds Division, Building Maintenance, Motor Pool and Administration. The DPW is responsible for many of the Township’s essential operations such as road maintenance, winter snow plowing, water and sewer services, grounds and building maintenance, vehicle maintenance, water and sewer billing, customer service and oversight of the solid waste contract.”
Rochester Hills also alerted residents via social media, posting “Wanted to share with our residents that there is an email scam going around using GFL Environmental’s information to request payment on a balance. The City does not do business with GFL. Priority Waste is the City’s trash provider and any questions regarding billing should be directed to them at 1-855-927-8365. Do NOT click on any links in the email. Simply delete it.”
Those who have questions can contact GFL on their support page.
