Minnesota Power is encouraging its customers to be alert to telephone scams that often become more numerous in the summer months.
“These con artists often demand immediate payment of a past-due electric bill saying that the power will be disconnected within the hour if no payment is made,” the Duluth-based utility reported. “Various directions are given for payment and may include prepaid money cards, electronic funds transfer, routing and check numbers from a bank account, or credit or debit card numbers.”
If you think you’ve received a call from a scammer, the utility advises customers to hang up immediately and call Minnesota Power directly at (800) 228-4966 to verify their account status and report the illegal activity.
Minnesota Power said if a customer is behind on a bill, it sends a written notice before service is disconnected.
“The company does place courtesy calls for various business reasons and leaves its 1-800- 228-4966 number for a return call. These are usually recorded calls and never demand immediate payment,” the utility reported.
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