NIPSCO warns of phone scam
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Utility provider NIPSCO is warning of a telephone scam asking customers to use a prepaid debit card to pay off a delinquent bill. NIPSCO sent out an alert Monday informing of this specific scam.
NIPSCO reports the scammers are contacting businesses and residential customers using various 800 numbers. The scammer, who claims they are a NIPSCO employee, says the customer has a delinquent bill. They tell the customer that immediate payment is required to prevent NIPSCO from shutting off its services.
The utility company reported,
“In some cases, customers are asked to purchase a money gram or prepaid debit card and then prompted to call a different 800 number to make their payment. In other cases, some have provided addresses for local NIPSCO operating facilities and asked customers to meet them in person, to collect payment.”
The only number needed when dealing with your account is 1-800-4NIPSCO. The utility company said no one should call any other number.
NIPSCO will not ask for customers who are behind on payments to purchase a prepaid debit card or to pay cash to avoid disconnection. Customers can pay either online, by phone, by mail or at one of NIPSCO’s authorized payment locations. A list of authorized locations can be found online.
NIPSCO also issued the following tips to keep customers safe from scams:
Potential threats or scams can appear in a variety of forms, including phone calls and e-mails. By following some of these simple tips below, customers can help avoid being the victim of a scam.
- Never give personal information, including Social Security numbers and banking information, to unconfirmed sources. NIPSCO only asks for a Social Security number when a customer is applying for new service or to verify a customers’ identification.
- If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact 911 as well as your local banking institution or credit card company if applicable.
- Legitimate bill assistance programs are available to qualifying customers. For more information on these offerings, visit NIPSCO.com/PaymentAssistance .
- If you are unsure about the legitimacy of any e-mail, phone call, programs or offers claiming to be affiliated with NIPSCO, please call our 24-Hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-4NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726).
More tips to stay safe are available at NIPSCO.com/StaySafe .
