Company Issues Warning About Latest Phone Scam In Southeast Minnesota

If there is one thing I am 100% sick and tired of getting these days, it's robocalls. I seriously get those fake phone calls 3-5 times per day. It's infuriating, and there's seemingly no end in sight. Phone scams are apparently the new hotness for the terrible human beings lurking out there, and sadly there's yet another one going around Southeast Minnesota.

People's Energy Cooperative just released a statement warning its customers after a member was the target of a utility scam. This member reported getting a phone call that threatened to cut off their power if they didn't call an 800 number to make a payment within 30 minutes.

For the record, People's Energy Coop (and most companies, I would assume) will never request bank or payment information over the phone. Here's part of the official statement:

PEC reminds members that in circumstances when the Cooperative performs automated phone calls, the message instructs members to contact the Cooperative regarding their account.  It is very important to remember that PEC staff will never request bank or payment information from members over the phone.  Payments may only be made over the phone when the member initiates the call through our automated phone payment system.  Member service representatives will only ask for information to verify the identity of the member.  Members of People’s Energy Cooperative who receive phone calls threatening disconnection if payment is not made immediately are encouraged to hang up and call PEC directly at (800) 214-2694.

There are some bad people out there, so it's always a good idea to stay informed about scams like these. (Don't forget to pay your utility bill this month, BTW)