UPPCO warns about utility company scams

MARQUETTE — Scammers are hard at work in the Upper Peninsula, according to the Upper Peninsula Power Company.

The company issued a warning after receiving calls from customers who reported they were approached by individuals who said they were from the utility and asked to see a recent energy bill.

According to the company, scammers are expanding their tactics to include face-to-face encounters as they attempt to defraud customers or otherwise obtain personally identifiable information.

“UPPCO will never approach a customer at their home or business and request a copy of their energy bill or require a prepaid debit card, gift card or other form of payment,” said Brett French, vice president of business development and communication, in a press release. “We won’t use bullying tactics when engaging customers; demand immediate payment to prevent services from being turned off; collect payments at a customer’s home or business; or ask for bank account or credit card information by phone.

Customers who have been approached by someone who may have been impersonating a utility representative should report the incident to their local police department or the Michigan State Police.

For more information on how to protect yourself against the actions of a scammer, visit www.uppco.com.