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Scammers posing as utility workers will try to steal financial information from power customers by threatening service interruptions, and NorthWestern Energy warned the public Tuesday of the “utility impostor scam.”
“Working together with our partners to protect our families, neighbors and customers from scammers is a year-round effort,” said NorthWestern Energy Director of Customer Care Lori St. Aubin in a statement. “Providing education about how scammers try to steal money helps prevent their crimes.”
NorthWestern Energy said it is joining Utilities United Against Scams this week to support International Fraud Awareness Week and recognize the ninth annual Utility Scam Awareness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The day is dedicated to educating customers and exposing scammer tactics.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “Anytime, anyone, anywhere,” NorthWestern said in a news release. It said customers of all ages and demographics must stay vigilant against utility imposter scams, and digital scams are increasing, but in-person and telephone scams are still frequently reported.
NorthWestern said it is a member of Utilities United Against Scams, which has helped take more than 14,830 toll free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation.
“We encourage customers of all ages to stop and verify any unusual utility company requests before making a payment, regardless of whether the customer is contacted via phone, internet, or in person,” said UUAS Executive Director Monica Martinez in a statement provided by NorthWestern. “While scammers often target elderly and vulnerable populations, customers in all age groups are reporting utility impostor scam incidents that take place online, on the phone, and in person.”
NorthWestern said utilities will never ask for payments using a pre-paid debit card, gift card, or cryptocurrencies, and they will provide multiple notices before any service interruptions.
NorthWestern Energy customers can report attempted scams at www.northwesternenergy.com/scamalert.
The company said anyone who feels threatened during contact with a scammer should contact law enforcement authorities immediately.
The Federal Trade Commission also provides information about protecting personal information and other information regarding impostor scams at https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams