BEWARE OF UTILITY SCAMS
Scammers call threatening to disconnect your utility service, demanding immediate payment by prepaid cards purchased at a local retail store, and insist you call them back with the card information to make payment. They often use caller ID spoofing, and their call-back numbers may even include recorded replicas of utility company greetings. Know the signs. #StopScams
Hang Up
If you are not 100% sure it’s an actual representative from your utility calling, hang up and call the Co-op back at the number listed on your monthly statement, which is 218-444-2540.
Report It
Contact your utility and local law enforcement to report theft due to scams. If the theft was through a Green Dot MoneyPak card, quickly fill out a refund request to try and stop your money from being transferred.
Beware
Never give out personal information or credit card numbers or wire money as a result of an unexpected or unsolicited call or email if you cannot validate the authenticity. Be suspicious if the caller is insisting on the use of a pre-paid debit card or an immediate payment. If it doesn’t feel right, “SLAM the SCAM” and end the conversation. In addition, if members are behind on their bills, they will receive a written notice before service disconnection.
Know Your Options
Beltrami Electric provides many secure options for making a payment and will never call a member and REQUIRE the use of a pre-paid debit card for bill payments. Protecting personal and financial customer data is a top priority for Beltrami Electric, and we will continue to work to provide solutions to protect the public from scams.
