Scammers targeting IPL customers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A strange voicemail is making the rounds to some businesses in the Indianapolis area.

The message is pretty simple. The message informs the company that a utility worker is enroute to shut off power to your business.

Before the message ends, the caller leaves a 1-800 number for the business to call to make some type of payment arrangements.

Once you call the number, you are greeted with a fake message from IPL, and then you are transferred over to someone who doesn’t identify themselves. The person then starts asking questions, such as your account number at IPL, and then your banking information.

IPL confirmed it has received 20 complaints this week from its customers about the scam. Here are some tips from IPL.

•  If IPL does call a customer, our representative will have specific and accurate information related to the customer’s billing and account.
•  IPL does not require or strongly recommend a specific payment method or type. We offer a variety of payment options so customers can select the one that best suits them.
•  IPL also reminds customers not to provide personal information or comply with requests for payments unless they are confident with whom they are speaking.
• Business customers are asked to notify IPL if they receive a call and are unsure that the caller is truly an IPL employee.
• Please call the IPL Business Call Center at 317.261.8444 to verify any questions you may have related to IPL bill payment and collection.

24-Hour News 8, did reach out to some of the businesses targeted, but none were willing to talk to about the incident on camera.

So far, police have made no arrests. It is unclear if the 1-800 number left behind will lead to those behind the crime.

If you have any information, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS, or 262-8477.