Calls from scammers to homes and businesses posing as NIPSCO employees are on the rise—an issue impacting many energy companies around the United States.
In a release on Thursday, NIPSCO officials say the recent and common reports from customers are scammers posing as company employees demanding payment for their bills or their service will be disconnected. NIPSCO says they will never call customers and demand immediate payment via a prepaid card.
Customers that may be unsure about their account can log on via NIPSCO.com or call NIPSCO’s Customer Care Center.
Additional tips for customers to avoid potential scams
– Call NIPSCO – If you are unsure about a phone call, email, program, offer or person claiming to be affiliated with NIPSCO, call the company’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-464-7726
– Guard your personal information – Never give personal information, including your NIPSCO account number, social security number and/or banking information to unconfirmed sources. NIPSCO only ask for a social security number when establishing new service or verifying a customer’s identity.
– Know your payment options – NIPSCO will never ask for a pre-paid debit card or money gram as a payment method. To more easily spot a potential scam, learn more about NIPSCO payment options at Nipsco.com/bills-and-payments.
– Never agree to meet in person – Some scammers ask customers to meet them in person to make payments with cash or prepaid cards, which you should avoid.
What to do if someone visits your home or business
– Ask to see ID – NIPSCO employees and contractors carry photo ID badges and will gladly show you upon request.
– Use caution with cash – NIPSCO employees do not collect cash payments nor deliver cash
refunds or rebates to customers. Refrain from sending cash through the mail to prevent loss or theft.
