NorthWestern Energy is warning its customers about a scam hitting Nebraska that is trying to get important personal information.
The company is reminding customers to be vigilant and avoid callers asking for bank information and other personal information over the phone. One scam that has been reported in the area involves callers claiming to be billing representatives from your utility company.
The scammers say to avoid immediate shutoff the customers need to pay an overdue bill by providing their credit card information.
Customers report that the scammers are quite convincing and they may even using software that displays the name and number of the utility company on the phone's caller ID.
NorthWestern warns customers that they will provide several shutoff notices before shutting off service. Customers that do receive a notice should call the number on a utility bill to verify they are talking to a legitimate company representative.
Customers should be suspicious of any telephone or Internet
solicitation offers particularly if they ask for personal information including
credit card or bank account information. The Better Business Bureau
offers these tips to avoid falling victim to a utility scam:
- Never provide your social security
number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over
the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident
with whom you are speaking.
- If you receive a call claiming to be
your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal
information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your
utility bill.
- Never allow anyone into your home to
check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have
scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility
employees for proper identification.
- Always think safety first. Do not
give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information or in person to
get into your home.
Customers with questions or concerns about potential scams
should contact NorthWestern Energy or their state's Consumer Affairs department
to report possible scams or questionable business offers.
