Electrical providers are reporting scams

Posted: May 18, 2020

Electrical providers are reporting the following scams being targeted at their customers on a state wide basis:

· 1. Scam caller advising customer that if they are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 they are eligible to pay a portion of their past due balance upfront and defer the balance for up to 3 months. Customer provides payment over the phone to scammer.

· 2. Scammer advises payment arrangements are being cancelled or revised to assist with COVID-19 and that by providing them with account information, they can take care of outstanding payments by phone.

· 3. When asked why the caller ID shows up as “Unavailable” or “No Caller ID” the Scammer says they are working from home and the caller ID phone number will not appear as the utility company phone number. Seemingly reasonable response, caller provides payment information or account information by phone.

From Safeguard Iowa Partnership