Utility scams heat up as temperatures rise

Sioux Valley Energy warns co-op members to be aware of potential electric utility scams this summer.
Director of Customer and Employee Relations Debra Biever says scammers can strike any time of year, but they seem to increase during months that have more extreme temperatures.
“Unfortunately these criminals play on people’s concern of having their air conditioner or heat turned off during the summer or winter months.”
Some of the common electric utility scams include a caller claiming to be an employee of Sioux Valley Energy. The caller will often demand immediate payment over the phone and do so in a very threatening manner which can be intimidating for unsuspecting victims.
Biever said most recently SVE received a report from a member who had an unknown person stop at their home in an unmarked vehicle asking for payment on their electric bill.  “When the member became suspicious, they went inside and called Sioux Valley Energy only to learn that it was a scam.  The unmarked vehicle drove away.”
Don’t fall prey to a utility scam. Members should be aware of the following red flags to avoid becoming a victim:
•A call demanding immediate payment over the phone.  Sioux Valley Energy will never demand immediate payment over the phone. Members will have significant advance notice if their electric bill is past due. Never give your bank account or credit card information over the phone. If the caller asks you to pay with a pre-paid debit card or wire them money, hang up immediately and call Sioux Valley Energy directly at 800-234-1960. 
•A call asking for personal banking information to process a refund.  If you overpay on your electric bill, it will be posted as a credit for use on future electric bills. SVE will never call and ask for personal banking information to process a refund.
•An unexpected visit from someone in an unmarked vehicle.  Sioux Valley Energy’s vehicles that are used for operations or member services are all clearly marked. SVE employees will also have easily identifiable clothing with the cooperative logo clearly displayed. A new scam involves people going door to door claiming to be a “representative” of your electric utility selling products or services that are not associated with the cooperative. 
Biever says if there is ever any doubt on the validity of a call or personal visit regarding your electric bill or other utility-related programs and services, members should contact Sioux Valley Energy directly.
For more information on consumer scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission Scam Alert website at: https://www.consumer.ftc
Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative, is a member-owned utility, providing reliable electric service at cost-based rates to over 26,000 homes, farms, businesses and industries in a seven-county area of eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota.