BUTTE, Mont. (NMB) – NorthWestern Energy is warning customers about reported incidents in Montana of scams involving imposter callers fraudulently claiming to be representing the utility company and threatening to shut-off service unless immediate payment is made on utility bills.
A press release says that as of Wednesday, more than 80 incidents have been reported to NorthWestern.
This type of scam is not new and has targeted utility customers across Montana for several years.
NorthWestern Energy Customer Care Supervisor Terri Lewis said, “The scammers are telling people their electricity or gas service will be cut off in 30 seconds if payment isn’t made. They are nice at first and then get upset when people ask questions. They are very convincing. We’ve also heard reports that the scammers are telling people they need to change their meter and there is a charge. That is not true.”
If you think you have received a scam collection call, it is very helpful if you make note of the phone number and share it with NorthWestern customer service representatives.
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. NorthWestern never asks customers to use a prepaid debit card for payment.
