Black Hills Power has just issued a press release warning residents of northeast Wyoming of a reported scam targeting customers in this area: BLACK HILLS POWER WARNS CUSTOMERS OF PHONE SCAM TARGETED AT UTILITY CUSTOMERS Newcastle, WY-Dec. 29, 2014 - Black Hills Power has received a scam report involving unknown parties who may be targeting customers in northeast Wyoming and demanding money. Fraudulent callers contact customers to indicate that a payment must be made using a pre-paid card within a short amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes) before a technician will arrive to disconnect service if they do not pay. Customers are directed to call a fraudulent phone number that is answered by a recording that mimics Black Hills Powers phone system message and options. Some are even using spoofing technology where customers caller ID displays the utility, further enhancing the deception. If Black Hills Power customers have concerns about anyone claiming to represent the company, an immediate call to local law enforcement is always a good option. Additionally, customers can call the utilitys toll-free, 24-hour emergency line at 800-839-8197. Black Hills Power can confirm the legitimacy of the claim and can also confirm billing information, including the amount due and payment history, and whether an employee was dispatched to your location. In addition, Black Hills Power employees are required to carry a company-issued photo ID at all times and will gladly wait for customers to contact customer service associates to verify their identity. In any instance, the number to call for verification can be found on monthly bills or the companys website. Additional tips to avoid falling prey to scammers include: • Dont give in to a high-pressure call seeking personal information. If someone calls claiming to represent your local utility and they demand immediate payment or personal information, hang up and call the customer service number on your utility bill. • Call your utility using the number on your bill or the companys website to verify the status of your account or whether an employee was dispatched to your location. Payment options and account access also are available at blackhillspower. • Do not provide your Social Security number, credit card numbers or bank account information to anyone during an unsolicited phone call or an unannounced visit. • Never allow anyone representing a utility into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or are aware of a confirmed problem. Any time a utility employee arrives at your door, require the employee to produce proper identification, and do not hesitate to confirm the visit with the utility company via a phone call before permitting access to your property.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 19:44:48 +0000