Beware of Power Shut Off Scams
Scammers have been calling homes in our service area claiming to be from a utility company.
Posted by Heather Reinhart on October 19, 2017
Scammers have been calling homes in our service area claiming to be from a utility company. These individuals will threaten to turn off your power if you do not pay your bill over the phone immediately. This is a widespread and ongoing scam that seems to hit Minnesota every few years.
In this scam, which targets individual homeowners as well as small business owners, a telephone caller poses as an employee of an electric utility company. The caller threatens to shut off the customers power unless an immediate payment is made. Often, the customer is told to use a pre-paid debit card or money transfer service.
Do not pay these people. It is a scam. If you are not sure, hang up the phone and call us directly at (763) 477-3000 to find out the true status of your account.
The facts:
- If your account is past due, you will receive a written notice of your account status, with instructions on how to avoid disconnection of service.
- While our representatives may call a member whose bill is past due to remind them that a payment is due, the representative would explain how a payment can be made using our established payment options. They will not demand payment over the phone or in person.
- Wright-Hennepin does not accept prepaid debit cards or wire transfers as payment, and our representatives will not demand your bank information or credit card number over the phone.
What should you do:
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, please contact your local police department or your state attorney general’s office. If you receive a phone call that you question, hang up the phone and call us directly at (763) 477-3000 to find out the true status of your account.
