Customers warned about utility company scams | News, Sports, Jobs

MARQUETTE — Scammers are hard at work in the Upper Peninsula, according to the Upper Peninsula Power Company.

The company issued a warning this week after receiving calls from customers who reported they were approached by individuals who said they were from the utility and asked to see a recent energy bill.

According to the company, scammers are expanding their tactics to include face-to-face encounters as they attempt to defraud customers or otherwise obtain personally identifiable information.

“UPPCO will never approach a customer at their home or business and request a copy of their energy bill or require a prepaid debit card, gift card or other form of payment,” said Brett French, vice president of business development and communication, in a press release. “We won’t use bullying tactics when engaging customers; demand immediate payment to prevent services from being turned off; collect payments at a customer’s home or business; or ask for bank account or credit card information by phone.

“In addition to these latest tactics being employed by scammers, customers are reminded that legitimate utility workers will never coerce residents into letting them into their homes.

“Our representatives always wear a company ID and are prepared to show proper credentials upon arrival at a customer’s home or business,” French said.

Customers who have been approached by someone who may have been impersonating a utility representative should report the incident to their local police department or the Michigan State Police.

For more information on how to protect yourself against the actions of a scammer, visit www.uppco.com.