– Submitted by I&M
Tis the season to be jolly – and to be particularly aware of scammers.
Today, Nov. 16, is Utility Scam Awareness Day. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) joins with other utilities across the nation to raise awareness of the ploys that scammers use and how you can avoid being scammed.
Increasingly, scammers are using more advanced tactics to target customers of utilities including electric, gas, water and more. In most cases, scammers contact a utility customer by phone, email or in person, claiming the customer is late paying their bill. They generally threaten that the customer’s service will be disconnected if the customer does not pay immediately. Scammers often demand a wire transfer or a gift card. Sometimes they urge customers to buy a pre-paid debit card and use the card to provide payment. Once the funds are used, they cannot be reversed.
I&M wants customers to know our employees NEVER call customers demanding immediate payment. I&M does NOT disconnect service without prior warning. I&M employees and contractors always carry proper identification such as a photo badge.
Customers should use one of the authorized methods of paying your bill. Only make payments online at IndianaMichiganPower.com; by mail; through the I&M mobile app; at authorized payment locations; or by calling I&M at 800-311-4634 (Indiana) or 800-311-6424 (Michigan).
PROTECT YOURSELF
If someone demands immediate payment of a bill, take the following steps:
- Slow down. Scammers often try to hurry customers. They may ask for personal information in addition to immediate payment.
- Verify. Scammers pose as utility company employees. If the scammer is on the phone, make sure they can verify they are with the utility or can verify your account information. If you are unsure, hang up and contact I&M directly by using the information on your most recent bill or the I&M website. Remember that scammers increasingly use “spoof” numbers that make it appear their call is originating from a legitimate business.
- Stop before you act. Think about the information the caller is asking of you. If it seems unsafe or incorrect, rethink the situation and ask questions.
“At Indiana Michigan Power, we truly value our customers and don’t want them to be the victim of ruthless scammers,” said Nick Elkins, I&M director of Customer Services and Business Development. “We encourage our customers to be wary any time they are asked to pay their bill immediately. We want everyone across the areas served by I&M to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season, including being safe from scammers.”
