BUTTE, Mont. (NMB) – NorthWestern Energy Montana customers are being targeted by a scam threatening immediate utility shutoffs.
According to a press release, customers report that the receive a call and a recording plays, telling the customer to call a 1-800 number to avoid having their utility service interrupted. Customers who called the phone number report that the person who answers the call demands immediate payment.
The scammers appear to be calling utility customers throughout Montana. NorthWestern Energy has reported the scam and the phone number being used to authorities.
NorthWestern does not call customers and demand immediate payment of past-due bills. The utility will provide multiple past-due notices before terminating service. If you get a cancellation notification, always verify it by dialing the customer service number on your utility bill. Don’t supply any personal information unless you are sure you are indeed working with the utility. NorthWestern never asks customers to use a prepaid debit card for payment.
If customers suspect someone is trying to scam them, they should hang up, delete the email, or shut the door. They should call NorthWestern Energy’s customer service number at 888-467-2669. Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact the local law enforcement authorities.
