NorthWestern Energy warns about collection scam

NorthWestern Energy is again warning residential and business customers about an attempted scam involving collection on allegedly overdue utility bills.

In recent days, an individual telephoned a NorthWestern Energy customer in Huron, S.D., claiming to be an employee of the company and demanding payment on an energy bill. The customer was told that if immediate payment wasn’t made, utility service would be terminated.

The customer lost $300 after purchasing a prepaid debit card issued by a discount store and sharing the card’s redemption information with the scammer. The customer later contacted NorthWestern Energy to report the activity. A similar attempt targeting a NorthWestern customer in Butte, was reported this week.

In May, a business owner in Bozeman, lost $1,000 in a nearly identical scam.

NorthWestern reported the recent incidents to law enforcement authorities. The activity appears to be the latest version of a scam that has targeted a number of NorthWestern customers this year. Across the nation, other utilities have reported similar scam activity. The phone callers typically seek immediate payment of “overdue” utility bills, often demanding credit-card numbers or other form of payment that can be converted to cash.

NorthWestern reminds customers to be vigilant when it comes to anyone seeking payment information on utility bills, either in person or via the telephone or Internet. The phone callers can be convincing. They might use “spoofing” software that lets them falsely display the name and phone number of the utility company on the recipient’s Caller ID.

NorthWestern will provide several 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.

Customers with questions or concerns about potential scams should contact NorthWestern Energy or their state’s Consumer Affairs department to report possible scams or questionable or business offers. Montana customers can contact NorthWestern at 888-467-2669. South Dakota and Nebraska customers can contact NorthWestern at 800-245-6977.