Black Hills Energy Warns Customers of Scam Attempts
Black Hills Energy is warning customers about a late bill payment scam making the rounds again.
Company spokeswoman Laurie Farkas says they've received reports from customers regarding attempted scam calls, during which the customer is told their bill is delinquent and service will be disconnected unless they pay the caller.
"The scammers are directing customers to make payments by downloading online payment assistance apps," said Farkas.
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"This is a scam," she added. "The company is not making any such calls for payment."
Farkas urges customers with concerns about the identity of someone claiming to represent the company to call Black Hills Energy at 1-888-890-5554.
Additional tips:
- Don’t give in to a high-pressure visit or call seeking personal information or attempting to sell you anything – if someone calls claiming to represent your local utility and they demand immediate payment or personal information, hang up and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
- To verify whether a Black Hills Energy employee was dispatched to your location, call 1-888-890-5554. Black Hills Energy employees and contractors wear shirts with the Black Hills Energy logo, carry a company-issued photo ID, and drive logoed vehicles. Employees will gladly wait outside while you call the company to verify their identity.
- Never provide your Social Security number, credit card numbers, or bank account information to anyone during an unsolicited phone call or an unannounced visit.
- Black Hills Energy customers who are experiencing financial hardships affecting their ability to timely pay their energy bills can visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/ to explore options to assist in those hardships.