Scammers often pose as Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) employees and use a variety of schemes via phone, email or even at a customer’s front door.  I&M wants its customers to be aware and on alert for scams during National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9).

Last year, I&M customers reported 165 scam attempts. Scammers often call or text customers with caller ID showing the company’s name. Here are the four most common utility scams: 

• Personal information. Criminals agree to mail checks for supposed overpayments on an account if the customer confirms their personal data, including birthdays, addresses and Social Security numbers.
• Threat to disconnect. Scammers will call saying a customer’s utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected – usually within 30 minutes – if a payment is not made. In fact. I&M will provide multiple notices and help customers with payment plan options before service interruptions.
• Mobile banking or gift card payments. A scam artist falsely says you need to make immediate payment through a mobile banking app. I&M will never ask for payments using a pre-paid debit card, gift card or third-party mobile applications.
• New meter refund. Criminals tell homeowners they need to pay for a new meter and make the payment before the meter is installed.

In-person scammers may try to dupe customers in the same way as over the phone with threats of shutting off service and demanding immediate payment. Customers should never let someone into their home unless that person’s identity is verified or there is a scheduled appointment. I&M employees’ uniforms may vary, but they will have the company logo visible, be in a vehicle with the company logo and carry a company identification card -- which customers can request to see.

If customers receive a call that sounds like a scam or have someone claiming to be with I&M, please call the police and report the incident to I&M by calling 1-800-311-4634. Customers can verify their I&M account status on the I&M mobile app. For more information on how to avoid falling victim to a scam, visit www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/StopScams.