I&M aims to provide a great customer experience while providing communities with safe and reliable energy. National Utility Scam Awareness Day is November 20 and I&M is empowering customers with the information they need to avoid scammers.

Through Oct. 2024, I&M has received more than 420 reports of scams targeting customers in Indiana and Michigan. This figure is an increase from all of 2023 with 165 scam attempts recorded. I&M often receives reports of online, phone call or text scams. This year, I&M is seeing an increase in reports of scammers approaching customers’ homes.

“Scammers use numerous tactics to try to access customers’ homes and wallets. Some ask to inspect equipment inside or near homes, while others threaten disconnection and ask for immediate payment,” said Stephanny Smith, I&M’s Director of Communications. “Please keep in mind, it’s rare that an I&M employee or authorized contractor will need to enter a customer’s home. When it is necessary, I&M will contact the customer in advance to schedule an appointment to perform the work.”

There are three ways to identify an I&M employee and authorized contractors:

• Ask for identification. All I&M employees and authorized contractors will have a photo identification badge and must display their badge.
• Look for the logo. I&M employees travel in company branded fleet vehicles with our logo, while authorized contractors will have a magnet on the vehicle and a photo identification card to present. Customers may see the logo on shirts, vests and hard hats.
• Verify the work and credentials. Customers can call I&M to verify the work and the employee at or near your home. Please call I&M’s Customers Operations Center at      1-800-311-4634.

I&M will never call, text, email or come to a customer’s home to ask for personal or financial information. I&M will never visit a customer’s home to demand immediate payment with prepaid debit cards, gift cards or threaten to disconnect power. I&M will inform customers if their account is past due and offer payment plan options. Customers can track their account at IndianaMichiganPower.com/account and on the I&M Mobile app.

Please do not let anyone into your home unless you have verified their identity or have a scheduled appointment. If you’re suspicious of someone claiming to be with I&M, call 9-1-1 or I&M immediately at 1-800-311-4634.

For more information utility scams, including phone call or text scams please visit IndianaMichiganPower.com/StopScams.