Scammers are again taking advantage of the cold winter weather by impersonating We Energies and Alliant Energy representatives, demanding immediate payment or else cutting off service.
The Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin says: “Don’t be fooled!”
The scam happens with a phone call from someone claiming to be a representative of We Energies or Alliant. Your Caller ID may even indicate that the call is from the company. The caller demands immediate payment, usually through a prepaid debit or gift card, cryptocurrency, or third-party apps like Zelle, Venmo or Paypal, and that’s the dead giveaway that it’s a scam.
Jim Temmer of the BBB emphasizes that Caller ID is easily manipulated by fraudsters and can’t be trusted, and the utility companies say they will never threaten or try to scare you into making a payment.
If you get such a call, hang up and report it to your utility company immediately. And if you’ve fallen for the scam, call your local police department.
Report a scam to:
Alliant Energy: 1-800-255-4268
We Energies: 1-800-242-9137
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