FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Have you received a scam phone call from someone pretending to be an Indiana Michigan Power representative? You might not be alone.
“It’s very disappointing that these scammers prey on customers,” Indiana Michigan Power Spokesman Tracy Warner said.
Warner told ABC21 the company is aware of the recent phone scams.
“I&M will never call and demand immediate payment, we’ll always have a written notice beforehand,” Warner said.
Indiana Michigan Power says scammers are calling customers claiming that someone is behind on their bill. The caller then states if the customer doesn’t pay their bill right away, their power will be shut off. The victim is often told to call a different number to arrange payment. The scammers may also ask for account information or personal credit card and banking information from customers.
President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana, Rick Walz issued a consumer alert Wednesday about the scams.
“First of all, a lot of these phone numbers will come from a spoof number. The consumer is going to think it’s legitimate because it shows I&M on their pad,” Walz said.
Walz says just this week they’ve gotten four reports of scammers claiming to be from I & M. He says for every scam that’s reported, there are nine that don’t get reported. Walz says that’s because people are nervous and embarrassed to say they were scammed.
“Be aware of high pressure tactics, if they tell you they demand a…
