Unfortunately, in today’s world, there are people who will try to scam you. Scammers can threaten you with everything from legal action involving the IRS to turning off power to your home.
Utility scams often involve an individual or group posing as an employee of your electric cooperative. The scammer may use threatening language in order to frighten you into offering your credit card or bank account information. Don’t fall victim to these types of scams. Understand the threats posed and your best course of action:
- They Demand Payment of Your Electric Bill Immediately
If someone calls your home or cell phone demanding you pay your electric bill immediately, gather as much information as you can from that individual, hang-up the phone and contact the local authorities. Scammers often use threats and urgency to pressure you into giving them your bank account number or loading a pre-paid credit or debit card (such as a Green Dot card). Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative will never ask you to offer up personal finance information over the phone. If you have any doubts about your utility bill, contact our office either in person, or over the phone at (406) 348-3411.
- They Show Up at Your Home Claiming to be a YVEC Employee
If someone comes to your home claiming to be an employee of YVEC who needs to collect money or inspect parts of your property, call us to verify they are, in fact, an employee. If they are not, call local authorities for assistance and do not let the individual into your home.
There are other types of scams consumers should watch out for:
- An “IRS Agent” Demands Payment
Government agencies like the IRS will never call to inform you that you have unpaid taxes or other liens against you. You will always receive this type of information in the mail. If someone calls claiming to be the IRS, hang-up immediately.
- An Email from an Unknown Sender Demands Payment
If you receive an email from an unknown sender; an email riddled with spelling errors and typos; or an email threatening action unless a sum of money is paid, do not click any links provided within the email, and do not respond to the email. Simply delete the email, or better yet, send it to your spam folder.
- They Claim to Have Discovered a Virus on Your Computer
If someone calls your home claiming to have discovered a virus on your computer, hang-up. This caller’s intent is to access personal information you may be keeping on your computer.
Yellowstone Valley Electric Coop wants to make sure you avoid every type of scam that could put you or your financial information in jeopardy. If you have any questions or would like more information about how you can protect yourself from scammers, call us, or visit yvec.com.
