Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) - Diane Remy of Sheboygan says she was shaken up when she received a phone call recently from a man claiming to work for Alliant Energy. “The guy was supposed to be the Director of Accounts for Alliant Energy," says Remy.
The man told Remy that an Alliant representative was en route to turn off her power within the hour, due to nonpayment of her utility bill.
Diane says that was the first red flag,because, indeed, she is current on her electric bill.
After informing the caller that her bill was paid by check, Remy says the caller changed his story in an effort to make the scam more believable. “He said, it showed that I had paid my bills, but that the bank hadn’t transferred the funds, and they need $489 so they won’t disconnect,” Remy says.
Remy says she hung up from the caller and immediately contacted her bank where a worker advised her that there was no indication of a problem with her utility checks clearing. Remy says the worker also advised her to not make the payment, and to instead contact Alliant Energy.
Upon contacting Alliant Energy, Diane confirmed that she nearly fell victim to an elaborate phone scam.
Alliant Spokeswoman Annemarie Newman says the company has been tracking this problem in many of its service areas. “Absolutely we’re aware of this. This scam has been going on nationally, as well as in our service area across Iowa, and Wisconsin for quite some time,” Newman says.
Newman adds that state and federal regulations prohibit Alliant from giving such a short notice before disconnecting a customer’s electricity, and there are many guidlines the company adheres to before a client's service can be disconnected.
Alliant warns consumers to avoid giving out bank account information over the phone, or purchasing instant money transfer cards to make payments to strangers over the phone, - If contacted.
Remy reported the scam to the Sheboygan Police Department.
Sheboygan Police Chief Chris Domagalski says this serves as a good reminder to guard against these types of Crimes. He says, “Really, if it doesn’t seem right, it’s probably not right”
The chief says Sheboygan Police are trying to get the word out to residents to not give out personal account information over the phone to strangers.
Diane Remy is now helping police to spread the word to other consumers about this scam.
More information about the Alliant Energy phone scam can be found at the following Alliant Energy website:
http://www.alliantenergy.com/CustomerService/FAQsHowTos/LearnHowtoSpotaScam/index.htm?WT.mc_id=scam
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