During these frigid temperatures another SCAM has surfaced that target small commercial businesses and attempts to collect payment for “New or defective meters” or “Past Due Payments”.
The scam works like this: Customers of small business are receiving phone calls either late at night or on the weekend stating that their electric service is scheduled for immediate disconnection either due to a faulty meter, the need for a replacement meter, or past due payments.
These calls become intense with the cold temperatures we are experiencing and the threat of immediate turn off of utilities. Of course the owner wants to instantly argue or attempt to rectify the situation. The caller then states that an immediate payment will either stop the disconnect, or cover payment for a new meter that needs to be installed. In this situation the victim or small business is usually willing to begin negotiating as the threat of shut-off especially on the weekend is frightening.
They are then instructed that only immediate payments can be accepted so a payment by purchasing a "Green Dot MoneyPak" credit card at a local convenience store is their only option. The "Green Dot MoneyPak" card is a temporary pre-paid credit card. After the customer purchases the card, he is told to call back and provide a receipt and PIN number. Once that information is obtained, the money on the card is then transferred to those behind the scheme.
NIPSCO will never ask customers to buy a pre-paid debit card to settle unpaid bills in order to avoid disconnection. Customers who have any doubts about the legitimacy of any call, email or visit from someone claiming to be from NIPSCO, especially one in which payment is requested, you should contact them directly at their 24 hour customer service line, 1-800-4NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726).
How to Avoid Falling for Scams:
- Be wary of giving personal information over the phone. Never provide you’re Social Security Number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking.
- Do your research and be proactive. If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number.
- Beware of the door-to-door sales approach. Never allow anyone into your home or business to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you scheduled an appointment or reported a utility problem. Always ask utility employees for proper identification.
- Inform others. Share this information with friends and family so they do not become victims. The elderly are common victims of scams, but anyone who pays a utility bill is a potential victim.