Energy Companies Start "Slam the Scam" Initiative
Thursday, November 20th, 2014 -- 8:12 AM
-You get a call from someone telling you that your utility bill payment has not been received and unless you pay by 5 p.m., your power will be shut off.That's the message that business owners throughout the area have been receiving. In an effort to shut down scammers, by using their "Slam the Scam" initiative, Xcel Energy, along with Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, is encouraging customers who think they are being targeted by a scammer to simply end the conversation ? "slam" down the phone.
Energy companies across the country are reporting an increase in scams aimed at customers. In Wisconsin, some energy companies are experiencing an increase of more than 400 percent in reported scam attempts in the past year. Scammers are targeting all customers, but particularly small businesses. In most cases, a scammer calls during busy hours of operation and threatens to disconnect the customer's electricity or natural gas service unless the customer makes an immediate payment.
Protecting personal and financial customer data is a top priority for energy companies, and they are working together to provide solutions to protect the public from scams.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.